In 2008, an abortion ban was implemented in Nicaragua affecting the lives of thousands of women. This abortion ban makes no exception for terminating pregnancies that put women’s lives at risk. Not only are women affected by the implementation of this law, but also healthcare professionals who provide abortions, face many punishments.
The effects of the abortion ban can be better understood by reading the Amnesty International Report, The Total Abortion Ban in Nicaragua. The report explains that the ban has had a terrible effect especially on women suffering obstetrics complications. Such was the case of Maria, who was admitted to a hospital following a miscarriage. Once at the hospital, Maria was so scared that she would be charged with having an abortion, that she asked doctors not to intervene. This put her life at risk.
According to Amnesty International, the rate of maternal deaths has increased by a 20% in the last five years. Today, girls and women in Nicaragua who become pregnant as a result of rape, are forced to carry the pregnancy to term or look for clandestine abortions.
Creative Commons Love: Amnesty International on Flickr.com
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