Abortion debate ends

last updated 8 January 2015

Managua

Nicaraguan government officials this week threatened to prosecute the doctors of a 9-year-old girl who had an abortion after she was impregnated by a rapist. Abortion is only legal in Nicaragua under special circumstances, such as when the mother’s health is in danger. The case sparked a fierce debate in the predominantly Roman Catholic country. Bishops threatened to excommunicate anyone who participated in “this crime against human life.” Women’s groups said only the parents could decide what was best for their daughter. A medical board left the issue unresolved by ruling that her health would be threatened by either childbirth or an abortion. Days later, doctors in a private clinic performed the abortion, and reported that the girl was doing “fine.”