Current:Home > MarketsWhat does a total abortion ban look like in Dominican Republic? -SummitInvest
What does a total abortion ban look like in Dominican Republic?
View
Date:2025-04-13 09:24:29
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.
What role does religion play?
No other nation bears a Bible on its flag.
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.”
Is abortion impossible?
No. In the countryside, ancestral knowledge is used to terminate pregnancies with concoctions. Some medical personnel in urban areas facilitate abortions with medications such as misoprostol.
“It’s not legal, but if someone calls, I know how to handle it,” said a health worker who asked for anonymity to avoid prosecution. “We use prescriptions. It (misoprostol) is used to treat ulcers, so you can prescribe a B complex, an antacid and there won’t be trouble.”
In addition, there are “acompañantes” networks like in Mexico, said activist Sergia Galván.
“In 1995, we had three clandestine abortion centers, but there came a time when the risks were too high,” Galván said. “Historically we have had mechanisms, but they are insufficient in the midst of restrictions.”
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.
What do abortion rights activists want?
As a first step, abortion rights activists would like legal abortion access when the woman’s life is at risk, when the pregnancy is the product of rape or incest and when fetal malformations are incompatible with life.
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
veryGood! (64883)
Related
- 'Most Whopper
- These Yellowstone Gift Guide Picks Will Make You Feel Like You’re on the Dutton Ranch
- 'I was in total shock': Woman wins $1 million after forgetting lotto ticket in her purse
- 'I was in total shock': Woman wins $1 million after forgetting lotto ticket in her purse
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- A list of mass killings in the United States this year
- Anti-abortion advocates press Trump for more restrictions as abortion pill sales spike
- Kirk Herbstreit berates LSU fans throwing trash vs Alabama: 'Enough is enough, clowns'
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Atmospheric river to bring heavy snow, rain to Northwest this week
Ranking
- Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
- A Pipeline Runs Through It
- Chiefs block last-second field goal to save unbeaten record, beat Broncos
- 'Devastation is absolutely heartbreaking' from Southern California wildfire
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Steelers shoot for the moon ball, but will offense hold up or wilt in brutal final stretch?
- 1 dead, 2 children injured in wrong-way crash; driver suspected of DWI: Reports
- Fire crews on both US coasts battle wildfires, 1 dead; Veterans Day ceremony postponed
Recommendation
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Joey Logano wins Phoenix finale for 3rd NASCAR Cup championship in 1-2 finish for Team Penske
Get Your Home Holiday-Ready & Decluttered With These Storage Solutions Starting at $14
NFL Week 10 injury report: Live updates on active, inactive players for Sunday's games
Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
Man killed in Tuskegee University shooting in Alabama is identified. 16 others were hurt
Judith Jamison, a dancer both eloquent and elegant, led Ailey troupe to success over two decades
Todd Golden to continue as Florida basketball coach despite sexual harassment probe