The trial of our friend Justyna means a lot of hardship, of hard work and discomfort caused by the necessity to face polish legal system and members of anti - human rights groups. But it’s also a plethora of wonderful, empowering experiences when you tell us that you are #likeJustyna, share your stories, when we meet in front of the court building before every hearing.
This is one of those experiences – and we’d like to share it with you. Ania, who received abortion pills from Justyna, wrote her a letter after testifying in court. With her permission, we’re sharing its contents.
To Justyna Wydrzyńska
I’ve been imagining the moment when I’ll stand in front of you and look you in the eyes for days.
I’ve been wondering what I should do, what I should say. Which words will be adequate.
And I must admit I’ve found none. Because how much is a human life worth? How much is my life worth? Does it even have an objective value? I cannot answer those questions. But I want to say this: I want to live. I have people to live for.
Which is why I’ve decided the best word to say will be a simple thank you. I am sorry, but I’ve found no better thing to say.
Justyna, thank you for helping me in the hardest moment of my life, when those nearest to me failed. When doctors failed. You were one of the few to help.
I’ve read interviews you gave in the press in the course of this case, and I know you consider this an act of empathy. I’m sorry, but I must disagree.
No, this was not empathy, it was humanity. Because when people who had the moral and sometimes legal obligation to help me washed their hands of this obligation, you reached out to me. It’s a huge thing to do and I congratulate you.
And today, three years after it all happened, I am mostly touched by your words that despite all that you’ve been through, you don’t regret your actions and would do it all again. I feel these words are directed at me and I thank you for them. They’re the most important thing I’ve ever heard from another human being. And I thank you for them.
What's next for Justyna?
We are extremely touched by this letter. On March 14, we will see each other in the Warsaw court at Poligonowa 3, together with Ania, Justyna and other abortion activists, to support each other at the last trial.
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