Nicaragua: Constitutional Court must decide on legality of new abortion law

Amnesty International today expressed concern that the Nicaraguan Supreme Court continues to delay its judgment on the legality of new criminal laws on abortion which entered into force in 2008. The Court was due to issue a judgment in May 2009 on the constitutionality of a complete ban on abortion, even when the life of the woman or girl is at risk and when the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest. “As long as this total ban is in place, victims of rape and incest – some of them still children themselves – are compelled to bear children,” said Kerrie Howard “Pregnant women and girls are being denied life saving medical treatment and medical professionals are criminalized for doing their jobs." “The lives of many women and girls depend on the Court’s decision,” said Kerrie Howard “We are very concerned at the lack of certainty and that the Court continues to delay its ruling.”  Justice delayed is justice denied.  Women are dying in Nicaragua because the Court has failed to uphold the human rights of women. Since the ban was first put in place four United Nations treaty expert committees have informed the Nicaraguan government that such a ban places it in breach of its obligations to protect women and girl’s human rights.