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Dominican Mother Challenges Abortion Ban After Daughter’s Death
The filing seeks exceptions for rape, incest and health risks, arguing the ban deepens inequality and leaves poor women more exposed to prosecution.
On Wednesday, the mother of Rosaura Almonte challenged the Dominican Republic's strict abortion ban in the Constitutional Court, citing Almonte's 2012 death at 16 years old from delayed cancer treatment.
Criminalizing abortion without exception, the Dominican Republic enforces one of the region's strictest bans, where women face up to two years in prison and doctors or midwives face five to 20 years.
Government data shows at least 585 girls from 11 to 14 years old became mothers in 2024, with the challenge arguing the ban worsens inequalities for impoverished women who face higher health risks and criminal prosecution.
In 2023, authorities detained a woman for 10 days in inhumane conditions after she sought care for an incomplete abortion, receiving no adequate medical care despite her condition.
Civil society groups, including a Christian organization, joined the challenge seeking exceptions for rape, incest, fatal fetal abnormalities, or when the life or health of women is in danger.