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

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.

Verstappen takes pole for Sunday's Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix

2025-04-05 16:18 Last Updated At：16:21

SUZUKA, Japan (AP) — Max Verstappen of Red Bull will start from pole position in the Japanese Grand Prix after turning in the top time in qualifying on Saturday in his final attempt.

Lando Norris of McLaren will start alongside on Sunday with teammate Oscar Piastri on the second row with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari.

Verstappen claimed the pole on his final lap, setting a lap-record for the Japanese circuit of 1 minute 26.983 seconds. It was his 41st pole.

Verstappen was asked how this ranked among his many accomplishments in F1.

“If you look at how our season started — even during this weekend, yeah it’s very unexpected,” he said, "and I think that makes it, probably, a very special one.”

“It's insane,” he added.

Verstappen gave some credit to the track itself at Suzuka in central Japan, and credit to the recent resurfacing of the circuit.

“When I enjoy the track it’s even more fun to drive," he said. “It was crazy fast.”

He then added: “For us, it’s a great little surprise.”

Norris and Piastri have won the first two Formula 1 races of the season. Now Verstappen is set up in good shape to win his fourth straight race in Japan.

Rain is also expected for Sunday, which might help Verstappen, who is regarded as the best in F1 in the wet.

It's also a chance for Verstappen to break out of a tiny slump. Despite being a four-time defending champion, he has only won two of his last 16 races.

Verstappen has won 63 F1 races. Only Lewis Hamilton with 105 and Michael Schumacher with 91 have won more.

Hamilton, the seven-time champion, will start from eighth on Sunday for Ferrari.

The second of three qualifying sessions was stopped with 8:26 remaining by a small fire in the grass on the fringe of the track.

Officials have decided to burn the grass at the edge of track in preparation for Sunday’s race. Four small fires broke out in Friday and Saturday's practice sessions, the dry brush set aflame by sparks from passing cars

Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda, promoted to Red Bull last week from its second team, will start from the back of the grid after going out in the second of three qualifying sessions.

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing