HEALTH

Catholic exec of Warsaw hospital fired for refusing to abort deformed fetus

The Associated Press Published Wednesday, July 9, 2014 10:24AM EDT

At a 2007 pro-abortion rally in Warsaw, Poland

An anti-abortion demonstrator, right, tries to snatch a crucifix from a pro-abortion activist during a rally in support of a proposal to further tighten Poland's already restrictive abortion law in Warsaw, Poland, Wednesday, March 28, 2007. (Czarek Sokolowski)

Text:

WARSAW, Poland -- Warsaw's mayor has fired the head of a maternity hospital who refused to perform or facilitate an abortion of a badly deformed fetus for reasons of conscience.

The recently delivered baby is under intensive care with major brain and skull deformity.

Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz said Wednesday she fired obstetrician Bogdan Chazan, a declared Catholic, because of the case.

The mayor said Chazan refused to perform an abortion and failed to advise the woman on where it was available and on the approaching deadline.

Pregnancy can be terminated before the 24th week when the fetus is badly damaged. A doctor can refuse for reasons of conscience, but has a legal obligation to direct the patient to another doctor.