The Tragic Story of Izabela Sajbor

Izabela Sajbor, my beloved sister-in-law, was only 30 years old when her life was tragically cut short. At just 22 weeks pregnant, she found herself in a hospital bed, surrounded by medical professionals who were paralyzed by the stringent abortion laws imposed by the far-right Law and Justice (PiS) government in Poland. Despite her dire condition, the doctors refused to intervene, and within 24 hours, Izabela succumbed to septic shock. This heartbreaking loss left behind a 9-year-old daughter and a grieving family. Izabela is believed to be the first known victim of Poland’s harsh abortion ban.

Her untimely death ignited widespread protests across Poland, with demonstrators rallying against the misogynistic laws of the PiS government under the powerful slogan, “Not a single woman more.” An official investigation ultimately attributed her death to medical malpractice, a claim that holds some truth, as there were indeed medical errors made. However, the overarching influence of the draconian abortion laws played a pivotal role in the doctors’ inaction, which ultimately led to my sister-in-law’s tragic demise. This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by far-right politics, which often prioritize ideology over the sanctity of human life, illustrating how the political landscape can deeply affect personal lives.

We Came to Brussels to Share Our Stories

Our story is not an isolated incident. Across Europe, wherever the far right gains power, we witness attacks on families, wars against women’s rights, and the erosion of personal freedoms and choices. The recent composition of the new European Parliament raises concerns for many who traditionally bear the brunt of far-right policies. As noted by Euronews, the new Parliament has become “more right-wing, with fewer women.” New hard-right coalitions, such as Viktor Orban’s and Marine Le Pen’s Patriots for Europe, boasting 84 seats, along with the AfD-led Europe of Sovereign Nations with 25 seats, may not have taken full control, but they now possess enough influence to tempt alliances with mainstream parties.

A recent delegation to Brussels, consisting of victims of the far right—including myself—aimed to caution center and left parties against cozying up to these extremist factions. Each of us had our own stories to tell.

Members of the European Parliament enter the plenary chamber as they prepare to vote at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, 18 July 2024. But normalizing these far-right parties would be a grave mistake for a Europe striving to exemplify liberal democracy on a global scale. Our delegation aimed to impress upon politicians the importance of maintaining a firm stance against the ultra-right.

In Hungary, a children’s book editor witnessed far-right MPs tear pages from books at a press conference, a chilling echo of Nazi book burnings. Following this, Orbán’s government enacted a ban on the depiction of LGBTQ+ individuals in educational materials and television programs aimed at those under 18, a move condemned as a serious violation of children’s rights.

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In Italy, two lesbian mothers are embroiled in a legal battle to ensure both their names appear on their child’s birth certificate, following Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s directive to cease registering same-sex parents’ children. The stakes are high; if they lose, one mother could lose her parental rights overnight, a devastating prospect for any family.

And then, of course, there is the tragedy of my sister-in-law.

It’s People Who Bear the Scars of Governance

These narratives reveal the grim reality of far-right governance, which is why I have joined a coalition of survivors from various countries to alert both politicians and the public about the dangers they pose. Our group is diverse, yet each of us carries the scars inflicted by far-right policies. We include LGBTQ+ individuals who have faced persecution for their identities, parents who live in fear of losing their rights to parent their children, and editors fighting for the freedom of expression.

Currently, by drawing a red line against any potential partnerships with the far right, President Ursula von der Leyen could take a monumental step to ensure that the EU remains committed to defending the rights of all Europeans. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen takes her seat in the plenary at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, 18 July 2024.

First and foremost, we are ordinary people simply wishing to live our lives and love our families. Yet each day presents a struggle against the rising tide of the far right. Although von der Leyen has thus far avoided alliances with extremist factions, the risk remains. Analysis suggests that, including the center-right EPP, every committee in the European Parliament will have a right-wing majority—except for the Committee on Women.

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This is significant. Committees wield considerable influence, and the temptation for the EPP and Meloni’s ECR to align with the far-right on issues where their views converge is palpable. The far right offers deceptive solutions to the real challenges facing Europeans—issues like soaring food prices, housing shortages, and declining public services. Instead, they thrive on division and scapegoating, eroding our freedoms, attacking our families, and undermining the very foundations of democracy.

These are not merely abstract concerns; they represent the lived realities of people like me, my family, and countless others across Europe. By firmly opposing any future collaborations with the far right, President von der Leyen can take a decisive stand to ensure the EU remains a bastion of rights for all its citizens. Let Izabela’s tragic death serve as a catalyst for change. We must not allow another life to be lost to the oppressive policies of the far right. Stand with us, and together, we can protect the future of Europe for everyone.

Barbara Skrobol is the sister-in-law of Izabela Sajbor, the first known victim of the de facto abortion ban in Poland.
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