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Dominican activists protest against a new criminal code that would maintain a total abortion ban

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Dominican activists protest against a new criminal code that would maintain a total abortion ban
Sport

Sport

Dominican activists protest against a new criminal code that would maintain a total abortion ban

2024-07-18 13:19 Last Updated At:13:21

Activists in the Dominican Republic protested on Wednesday against a bill for a new criminal code that would keep in place the country’s total abortion ban.

The Dominican Senate gave initial approval to the bill in late June and lawmakers are expected to give it final approval in the next few days.

“We continue to fight,” said feminist activist Sergia Galván, who along with fellow protesters have asked for legal abortion when the woman’s life is at risk, when a pregnancy is the product of rape or incest, and in cases of fetal malformation incompatible with life.

The Dominican Republic is one of four Latin American nations that criminalizes abortion without exceptions. Women face up to two years in prison for having an abortion, while the penalties for doctors or midwives who conduct them range from five to 20 years.

Besides maintaining the total abortion ban, the new criminal code would also reduce penalties for sexual violence within marriage and exclude sexual orientation from the list of characteristics protected from discrimination, affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Abortion rights activists say the country’s total abortion ban not only restricts women’s reproductive choices but risks their lives.

“We want a (criminal) Code that respects women and girls, that allows them to decide,” said Nicole Pichardo, leader of a minority political party, who was at Wednesday's protest.

“The penal code that the Senate approved does not represent us,” said Rosalba Díaz, from the Dominican Inclusive Lesbian Community. “And what does this mean? That now, people who have a different sexual orientation, or gender identity, will be at risk of facing constant discrimination.”

President Luis Abinader, who won a second term last May, suggested to abortion activists that he would be willing to support decriminalization, but after winning both elections he pulled back.

“Women’s organizations met with him and he told us he agreed with the three exceptions,” Galván said. “But it was a deception to the citizens, to the women and the people.”

Dominicans have also raised concerns about changes not related to abortion in the new criminal code.

One of its articles, for instance, would exempt churches from criminal liability, which according to activists like Galván could leave unpunished sexual abuse, money laundering or cover ups by religious leaders.

On the Caribbean island, religion is key. The Dominican Republic is the only country in the world that bears a Bible on its flag. And the State motto is “God, Country and Freedom.”

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Abortion activists protest the proposal of a law, under debate by lawmakers, that would keep a total abortion ban in place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Activists fear it will reduce penalties for sexual violence and fail to protect the LGBTQ community. (AP Photo/Ricardo Hernandez)

Abortion activists protest the proposal of a law, under debate by lawmakers, that would keep a total abortion ban in place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Activists fear it will reduce penalties for sexual violence and fail to protect the LGBTQ community. (AP Photo/Ricardo Hernandez)

Abortion activists protest the proposal of a law, under debate by lawmakers, that would keep a total abortion ban in place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Activists fear it will reduce penalties for sexual violence and fail to protect the LGBTQ community. (AP Photo/Ricardo Hernandez)

Abortion activists protest the proposal of a law, under debate by lawmakers, that would keep a total abortion ban in place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Activists fear it will reduce penalties for sexual violence and fail to protect the LGBTQ community. (AP Photo/Ricardo Hernandez)

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Overall ski champion Brignone breaks her leg in crash at Italian championships

2025-04-03 20:40 Last Updated At:20:51

MILAN (AP) — Freshly crowned overall World Cup skiing champion Federica Brignone broke multiple bones in her left leg during a giant slalom crash at the Italian championships on Thursday.

Brignone was the race leader at the Lusia ski area in Val di Fassa but in her second run she crashed through a gate and lost control, prompting her to tumble and crash through the next gate. She was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Trento.

Brignone was diagnosed with multiple fractures in her tibial plateau and fibula bone, the Italian Winter Sports Federation said. It added that she would be moved to a hospital in Milan “for the completion of X-ray exams and to establish a timeline for surgery.”

Brignone, who also won the giant slalom at the world championships in February, was finishing up the best season of her career. She won 10 World Cup races across three different disciplines (five giant slaloms, three super-Gs and two downhills).

Brignone is expected to be one of the home stars of next year's Milan-Cortina Olympics.

AP skiing: https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiing

Italy's Federica Brignone reacts on the podium after winning the women's World Cup overall at the World Cup Finals, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Sun Valley, Idaho. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Italy's Federica Brignone reacts on the podium after winning the women's World Cup overall at the World Cup Finals, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Sun Valley, Idaho. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Italy's Federica Brignone celebrates after a women's giant slalom run at the World Cup Finals, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Sun Valley, Idaho. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Italy's Federica Brignone celebrates after a women's giant slalom run at the World Cup Finals, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Sun Valley, Idaho. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Italy's Federica Brignone is reflected in the crystal globe trophy after winning the women's giant slalom season championship at the World Cup Finals, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Sun Valley, Idaho. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Italy's Federica Brignone is reflected in the crystal globe trophy after winning the women's giant slalom season championship at the World Cup Finals, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Sun Valley, Idaho. (AP Photo/John Locher)

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