Unfettered abortion prohibition in the Dominican Republic has reportedly resulted in the loss of women's lives, as indicated by a social media campaign.
In the Dominican Republic, a conservative nation that features the Bible on its flag and signed a concordat with the Vatican in 1954, making Catholicism the state religion, a new penal code has been approved by legislators and signed into law by President Luis Abinader. This new code, set to take effect in August 2026, has sparked heated debates and protests, particularly regarding the total ban on abortion.
Abinader, during his previous term, expressed support for making exceptions to the abortion ban but did not push for changes after re-election. Now, various groups are advocating for the inclusion of the so-called "three causes" in the penal code, which would allow abortions in certain cases.
One of the most vocal advocates is Caribbean-pop singer and songwriter Issade, who has been active in the feminist movement throughout her adulthood, often taking part in protests. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the issue and call for changing the abortion law.
Comedian Carlos Sánchez also joined the conversation, posting on Instagram about the death of Winifer Nuñez Beato in 2021 due to a high-risk pregnancy in the Dominican Republic, where abortion is banned. Sánchez's post drew attention to the issue, highlighting the potential lives that could be saved if abortions were legal.
Sadly, this year, there have been 100 documented maternal deaths in the Dominican Republic. Advocates believe some of these lives could have been saved if abortions were legal in certain circumstances.
The Catholic Church and evangelical groups in the Dominican Republic back the abortion ban, but groups like the Coalition for the Life and Rights of Women and Alianza Cristiana Dominicana, a group formed by women of different Christian denominations, are pushing for the penal code to include the "tres causales" or exceptions to the abortion ban.
Natalia Mármol, of the Coalition for Women's Lives and Rights, stated that the fight is to guarantee minimum protection for life, health, and dignity for girls and women in the Dominican Republic. The group, along with others, have been pushing for years to have the three exceptions included, even erecting a camp in 2021 in front of the National Palace to pressure parliament.
One heart-wrenching story that has come to light is that of Damaris Mejia, who died due to complications from a high-risk pregnancy and the abortion ban. Singer and actress Techy Fatule told Mejia's story to bring attention to the issue and the need for change.
In the Dominican Republic, women face up to two years in prison for having an abortion, and doctors and midwives can receive five to 20 years for terminating a pregnancy. This harsh punishment has not deterred women from seeking illegal abortions, with potential life-threatening consequences.
As the August 2026 effective date of the new penal code approaches, the debate over the abortion ban in the Dominican Republic continues to rage on. The fight for the "tres causales" is one that many hope will result in a more compassionate and progressive approach to reproductive rights in the country.
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