An Amnesty International report titled “The total abortion ban in Nicaragua: Women’s lives and health endangered, medical professionals criminalised”, sheds a frightening light on the implications of the Nicaraguan penal code which began being enforced in July 2008.

The penal code stipulates mandatory prison terms for women, girls and health professionals who participate in the termination of a pregnancy. These mandatory sentences are enforced regardless of the circumstances and has removed the individuals right to choose medical treatment, whilst also tying the hands of medical practioners. A girl or woman who is the victim of rape or incest, suffers miscarriage or has a life threatening illness such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, malaria, gestational or cardiac emergencies, must either die or go to prison.

As a result the numbers of both suicides amongst girls and women, and maternal deaths have risen. Figures are not officially recorded so it’s impossible to know the exact number of people who have fallen victim to this disgraceful law.