Santo Domingo .- President Danilo Medina on Friday signed Dominican Republic’s Penal Code into Law, ending months of heated debate in Congress, but leaves the thorny issue of abortion to the next Legislature.
The legislation comes in the heals of constant pressure from supporters of pro-life and pro-chose organizations, and marks an unprecedented rift between the Government and the powerful Catholic Church.
Law No. 550-14 dated December 19, 2014 was sent to the Official Gazette for publication, said Presidency Press director Roberto Rodriguez Marchena.
In a brief press conference at the National Palace, the official noted that the Regulation for the Criminal Code takes effect January 2016.
Abortion shelved
The Penal Code still requires a especial law which Congress will have to address in the next Legislature.