Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Eugene

(62,623 posts)
Tue Jan 2, 2024, 11:42 AM Jan 2024

What does a total abortion ban look like in Dominican Republic?

Source: Associated Press

What does a total abortion ban look like in Dominican Republic?

BY MARÍA TERESA HERNÁNDEZ
Updated 8:02 AM EST, January 2, 2024

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — The Dominican Republic is one of four Latin American nations that criminalizes abortion without exceptions. Women face up to 2 years in prison for having an abortion, while the penalties for doctors or midwives range from 5 to 20 years. Abortion rights activists argue that the country’s total abortion ban not only restricts women’s reproductive choices but also puts their lives in danger.

Here’s a look at the country’s ban.

-snip-

The country’s motto is “God, Country, Freedom,” and the government holds a concordat, or agreement, with the Vatican, which implies that the official religion is Catholicism, although the constitution allows freedom of worship.

The Catholic Church influences sex education. The “Learning to Love” program, recently implemented by the Ministry of Education, aims to reinforce Catholic values for students.

Catholics and evangelicals are united against decriminalizing abortion and hold sway among legislators. “We have gained a pro-life majority in Congress,” said anti-abortion activist Martharís Rivas. “We have always contributed to the debates, and bishops approach congressmen to talk.”

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/dominican-republic-abortion-ban-women-catholic-church-5890252153c3b451b16b62b4aa3fe26d

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
What does a total abortion ban look like in Dominican Republic? (Original Post) Eugene Jan 2024 OP
And that's why their maternal death rate in 2021 was 107 per 100,000 births, an extremely high rate. Lonestarblue Jan 2024 #1
Get this. From the linked article... sinkingfeeling Jan 2024 #2
Disgusting--women's lives have no real value beyond service as incubators. Timeflyer Jan 2024 #3

Lonestarblue

(11,557 posts)
1. And that's why their maternal death rate in 2021 was 107 per 100,000 births, an extremely high rate.
Tue Jan 2, 2024, 12:31 PM
Jan 2024

That’s almost three times the rate in Mississippi, one of our worst states for maternal health. An excellent example of why religious beliefs do not belong in government.

sinkingfeeling

(52,941 posts)
2. Get this. From the linked article...
Tue Jan 2, 2024, 12:37 PM
Jan 2024

What about spontaneous abortions?

"The situation in public hospitals is extremely delicate, said nurse Francisca Peguero. “We have seen teenagers dying in emergency rooms because doctors face a dilemma: If they treat them, they might be criminalized.”

According to Peguero, clinics are monitored by police officers who, upon seeing a woman bleeding, can report her.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Pro-Choice»What does a total abortio...