Dominican Senate Avoids Abortion-Related Rights in Penal Code

On Tuesday, the Senate of the Dominican Republic approved in second reading a bill to establish a new penal code, which does not include three grounds for the termination of pregnancy demanded by women's rights defenders.

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Over the last twenty years, feminists have been demanding that a new penal law legalize abortions if the pregnancy occurred due to rape or incest, the fetus had life-threatening malformations, or the woman’s life was in danger. These issues would modernize the current penal code, which dates back to 1884.

“The bill is a huge disappointment. It tells society that the rights of half the population can be postponed,” activist Sergia Galvan lamented, stressing that the Dominican Republic society is becoming more conservative.

To enter into force, the bill will have to be approved by the Lower House and President Luis Abinader.  "Enacting the bill will cost him dearly," Galvan stated, recalling that Abinader has not made any statements since the bill began to be debated despite having shown support for the three grounds for the legalization of abortion in his electoral campaign.