LUTORYŻ, Poland — Polish authorities have arrested a 57-year-old female pathologist after the remains of 34 human fetuses were discovered buried in the garden of her former home, along with thousands of microscopic slides, documents, and medical equipment believed to have been used for private experiments.

The shocking discovery was made during renovation work by construction workers at the 5-acre property in the village of Lutoryż, southeastern Poland. Police were alerted and launched a large-scale investigation involving ground-penetrating radar and cadaver dogs.

Prosecutors identified the suspect as Magdalena H. (surname withheld under Polish privacy laws). She was arrested at a hotel in the early hours of Friday morning. The woman, a specialist in examining human tissue and remains, had previously worked at a hospital in nearby Rzeszów.

According to investigators, Magdalena H. admitted to bringing the fetuses to the property and burying them there after using them for medical research at home. Reports indicate she took the remains from a local hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fetuses were placed in sacks and buried on the grounds of the house, which she sold two years ago.

Alongside the fetal remains, authorities found extensive medical waste, including paraffin blocks for preserving human tissue and other laboratory materials.

The doctor faces up to 12 years in prison on charges including desecration of corpses, improper handling of hazardous medical waste, and abandoning it in an unauthorized location. She has been placed in three months of pre-trial detention while the investigation continues.

Prosecutor spokesman Krzysztof Ciechanowski stated that the investigation is in its early stages, with more people being questioned. It remains unclear whether she acted alone, and the identities of the fetuses have not yet been determined. So far, there is no evidence the fetuses were obtained through illegal abortions.

The case has caused outrage in traditionally Catholic Poland, which has some of Europe’s strictest abortion laws. Many are questioning how a medical professional could have accessed and retained so many fetal remains for personal use.

The horrifying find has drawn widespread attention as forensic teams continue to examine the site and evidence.