Last November it became a crime for a woman to have an abortion in Nicaragua, even if her life was in mortal danger.
The Human Rights Watch reported that potentially the most harmful impact was that girls & women were afraid of seeking treatment for pregnancy-related complications, especially haemorrhaging, in case they were accused of having induced an abortion.
Doctors are unwilling to take risks on behalf of women who are often poor, uneducated and from a lower social class.
Last month an assembly vote on whether to uphold the law was an emotional and boisterous affair with dozens of girls & women in the public gallery chanting in protest. Separated by just a sheet of glass, the two sides were a study in contrasts. One comprised mostly elderly men in suits, some of whom opened their speeches by saying "I am a Catholic". The other comprised mostly young women in jeans and Tshirts. "Shame, shame, shame on you all," shouted one teen-ager.
Is this what's next for US women?
2007-10-15
15:56:46
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5 answers
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asked by
edith clarke
7
in
Social Science
➔ Gender Studies
Guardian Unlimited International article: "Killer Law":
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2186039,00.html
2007-10-15
15:57:55 ·
update #1