In the early post-war period in Poland (1945-1950), abortion was severely restricted under the 1932 Penal Code. Despite the significant risks, many women chose to have abortions, often in dangerous, non-medical conditions, which led to severe complications or death. The analysis is based on archival materials from the State Archives in Łódź, in particular autopsy reports and court cases concerning deaths and complications related to abortion. This study specifically examines cases from 1945 to 1950. Six court-documented cases meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed - three resulting in the death of the woman and three without fatal consequences but with serious complications requiring surgery. Fatal complications included uterine perforation with accompanying peritonitis and massive hemorrhage, often caused by improper use of instruments. Non-fatal cases also resulted in permanent damage that required surgical treatment. Court judgments ranged, with penalties ranging from acquittal to imprisonment, often mitigated by amnesties or the defendant's circumstances. These cases reveal the brutal nature of illegal abortions and the disastrous effects of restrictive abortion laws. Fear of criminal prosecution often delays medical assistance, worsening treatment outcomes, or leading to death. Archival evidence highlights how the criminalization of abortion threatens women's health and lives, especially during periods of social instability and inadequate access to healthcare. These findings underscore the historical value of archival forensic records in revealing how restrictive legal frameworks shaped patterns of harm and contributed to preventable maternal deaths.
Keywords: History of medicine; Termination of pregnancy; Uterine perforation.
© 2026. The Author(s).