Internationally known Dominican poet, novelist and essayist Julia Alvarez has issued a statement supporting the inclusion of the three grounds for abortion in the Penal Code under review in the Dominican Congress. She pointed out that the absolute prohibition and criminalization of abortion violates the constitutional rights of Dominican women.
She recalled that the country has contracted international obligations to protect, respect and guarantee the right to life, health and physical and psychological integrity of women. “The grounds exist in the legislation of most of the countries of the world. It is time that they also exist in the country of the Mirabal Sisters.”
Below is the full statement:
“Statement of support for the three grounds in the Penal Code.
I hereby express my support for the inclusion of the three grounds for abortion in the Penal Code currently before the Congress of the Dominican Republic:
1) When the life of the mother is in danger.
2) When there is a malformation of the fetus incompatible with life, and 3) In case of rape or incest.
“The absolute prohibition and criminalization of abortion violates the constitutional rights of Dominican women, and ignores the international obligations of the Dominican state to protect, respect and guarantee their rights to life, health and physical and psychological integrity.
“I trust that the Dominican legislators will take into account these rights and the commitment they have to legislate for the welfare of the whole society. Dominican women require legal protection to have safe pregnancies and a dignified and healthy life.
“Our nation gave the world the symbol of the Mirabal Sisters, whose murder on November 25, led the United Nations to commemorate that day by declaring it International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
“All over the world, commemoration events and public demonstrations are held on this day to recognize women’s rights over their bodies and lives. The Dominican Republic, more than any other nation, should be a leader in the protection of these rights.
“The grounds exist in the legislation of most countries in the world. It is time that they also exist in the land of the Mirabal Sisters.”
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El Caribe
26 April 2021