Salvadorian
Court Denies Beatriz an Abortion
The plea of a 22 year
old woman in El Salvador is making its way through social media. According to Amnesty International, she is
six months pregnant with an anencephalic fetus that has zero probabilities of
survival outside the womb. She has also
been diagnosed with several illnesses including lupus and kidney failure. Her
health situation is worsening and she could die if she continues with the
pregnancy.
In
El Salvador, abortion is illegal under any and all circumstances. The New York
Times informed in their blog that advocates have adopted her cause to intensify
regional push to change abortion laws by arguing that her rights under
international laws are being violated. The
New York Times also mentioned that the Salvadorian church’s position is that
the baby’s malformation should not be met with a death sentence.
On
March 22, a lawyer from the National Maternity Hospital requested permission
from the government to perform an abortion on her, but due to the total ban on
abortion in her country, the request was denied. Putting Beatriz and any doctor who is willing
to perform the abortion at risk at prosecution is unjust. On May 30, the Supreme Court denied Beatriz
her appeal of access to a therapeutic abortion.
Rodolfo Parker said, after the ruling to CNN in El Salvador, “The
constitution makes it clear that life exists from the moment of the conception,
and anything that tries to end a life is murder.” According to Amnesty International, it is
inexcusable for Salvadorian authorities to deny a lifesaving treatment for
Beatriz. The Human Rights Watch Organization
is currently supporting her by protesting outside of the Supreme Court. They are asking a simple question, “Who will
guarantee Beatriz her basic human right to life and health?” The pleas of these
people are becoming desperate, as her battle is becoming a race against time!
For further information contact Elizabeth
Berton-Hunter, Media Relations
I am truly appalled by the decision of this Salvadorian court. They don't want to end a life. I understand that. However, that life is going to end shortly after birth anyway. I know it sounds harsh but why end two lives when there is another child that also needs his mother. If Beatriz is going to be responsible for the death of her child, which I don't think is the case, then who is going to responsible for her death. Beatriz's death is imminent if nothing is done soon. I'm just curious if there have been any updates in the last couple of weeks about her status. If the Salvadorian court is so religious and worried about murder how dare they purposely kill a young mother for the sake of a law?
ReplyDelete