Nicaragua bans all abortions even when the woman's live is in danger
26-10-2006
The National Assembly in Nicaragua has voted 52-0 to remove therapeutic abortion from the penal code. This means that there is no longer any legal reason for abortion permitted by Nicaraguan law.
photo by birdfarm from flickr.com
The International Herald Tribune reported:
"Nicaragua Nicaragua's Congress voted Thursday to ban all abortions, including those that could save the mother's life.
If signed into law by President Enrique Bolanos, the measure it would eliminate a century-old exception to Nicaragua's abortion ban that permits the procedure if three doctors certify that a woman's life or health is at risk.
Fifty-nine lawmakers voted for the measure. Nine lawmakers abstained and 29 others did not attend the legislative session.
Bolanos has proposed increasing prison sentences for abortion — currently around six years — to 10 to 30 years for women who have the procedure as well as those who assist them. But it was unclear whether he would sign the bill approved Thursday after lawmakers decided not to increase the penalties.
The measure has drawn protests from women's rights groups. The Women's Autonomous Movement has said it was prepared to seek an injunction to block the measure if it passed.
El Salvador and Chile also ban all types of abortions."