Medina surprisingly vetoes Penal Code on abortion

Santo Domingo.- President Danilo Medina on Friday surprisingly vetoed and returned the legislation for the new Penal Code to the Chamber of Deputies, objecting articles relating to abortion.

Among other provisions, Medina cited article 107 on abortion, which in his view doesn’t meet the requirements arising from the principle of legality.

In his observations to the lower Chamber, the chief executive says the legislation fails to address exceptional situations on fundamental rights established for all pregnant women, such as is the right to life and health, respect for human dignity and physical and moral integrity, “which constitute authentic situations which not subject to criminal responsibility.”

Despite mounting opposition from pro-choice groups, most sectors expected Medina to sign the bill into law.