In producing a porous cross-linked polymer by forming a water-in-oil type high internal phase emulsion and subsequently polymerizing the emulsion, a method for the production of a porous cross-linked polymer material which comprises a step of polymerizing a water-in-oil type high internal phase emulsion obtained in the presence of a polyglycerine fatty acid ester. This invention permits an HIPE to be polymerized at a high temperature for the purpose of stabilizing the HIPE and consequently warrants quick production of a porous cross-linked polymer material possessed of an excellent water absorbing property.