Amnesty International condemns Dominican Penal Code for criminalizing abortion

Santo Domingo.- Amnesty International (AI) condemned the recently enacted Dominican Penal Code for maintaining the total criminalization of abortion, including cases of rape, incest, risk to the mother’s life, or fatal fetal malformations. Despite years of debate and demands from civil society, President Luis Abinader promulgated the code on August 3, which AI says perpetuates institutional violence and gender injustice.

AI highlighted that the Dominican Republic has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the region, with unsafe abortions contributing to at least 10% of deaths. The organization also criticized other problematic aspects of the code, such as restrictive statutes of limitations on prosecuting sexual violence, inadequate criminalization of violence within couples, tolerance of corporal punishment of children, and failure to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Amnesty International urged lawmakers to amend the Penal Code before it takes effect in 2026, calling for legislation that prioritizes human rights, gender equality, and protection for women, girls, and LGBTIQ+ communities.