The Dominican Republic criminalized abortion without exceptions, with penalties for both women and medical personnel.
The country’s strong Catholic influence strongly impacts sex education and legislative decisions.
“It’s not legal, but if someone calls, I know how to handle it,” an anonymous health worker said.
“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.”
Despite the ban, clandestine abortion networks exist, and there are risks associated with spontaneous abortions in public hospitals.
Abortion rights activists seek legal access in cases of risk to the woman’s life, rape or incest, and fetal malformations.
“In 1995, we had three clandestine abortion centers, but there came a time when the risks were too high,” activist Sergia Galván said.
“Historically we have had mechanisms, but they are insufficient in the midst of restrictions.”
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