Dominican Republic: Constitution Bans Abortion in All Cases



Thursday, October 1st, 2009 @ 14:24 UTC
by Rocio Diaz


Abortion opposition banner outside the Cathedral in Santo Domingo by
Duarte 101 and used with permission.

After an intense debate, in which doctors, sociologists, representatives of the Catholic Church, international health organizations, and politicians participated, legislators from the Dominican Republic ratified an article within the Constitutional Reform that makes it illegal for a woman to terminate her pregnancy under any circumstance.

This decision, in which many say the influence of the Catholic Church and the proximity of upcoming Congressional elections played a large role, places the Dominican Republic among a small group of countries that Constitutionally prohibits abortion, including in health-related cases where the pregnancy places the fetus or the mother at risk. Females who have been victims of incest or rape also are banned from obtaining an abortion.

The article in question, currently known as Article 30, states: “the right to life is inviolable from conception until death. The death penalty cannot be established, decided, or applied in any case.” Since its preliminary approval in April, protests have been constant (es). Sociologist Rosario Espinal writes that women will now be deprived of a healthy and dignified life (es), adding that the doctors who performed illegal abortions will charge more money because of the higher risks.

Many believe that there will be an increase in clandestine abortions as a result of this decision, as well as higher rates of maternal mortality. However, the way that the Article was approved is also a subject for many bloggers.

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