A disturbing discovery in southeastern Poland has triggered a criminal investigation after construction workers uncovered fetal remains buried on private property in the village of Lutoryż. Prosecutors said 32 human fetuses were found at the site, along with medical materials including laboratory tubes, microscope slides, and what investigators believe may be hospital documentation.
Authorities arrested a former pathologist, identified as Magdalena H., in the city of Zamość on June 12. According to information reported by Polish media, she allegedly told investigators that she had taken the fetal remains from a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and used them for medical research and examinations conducted at her home. Afterward, she reportedly placed the remains in bags and buried them on the property.
The investigation began after workers carrying out construction activities discovered what appeared to be medical waste beneath the ground. Prosecutors are now examining whether additional burial sites exist and whether anyone else may have been involved. If convicted, the suspect could face a prison sentence of up to 12 years.
The case has sparked intense public debate online, with some commentators arguing that Poland’s strict abortion laws may have contributed to unsafe and unregulated practices. One widely shared reaction noted that “abortion is illegal in Poland. Making laws about it doesn't remove abortion. It only removes the safe ones. Backyard abortions become the way forward.”
