Stories from mothers imprisoned under El Salvador's abortion ban spark debate
El Salvador has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. But that may be changing.
(The Christian Science Monitor) Mirna Ramírez was arrested for attempting to murder her daughter on the day she was born.
Ramírez was seven months pregnant when she suddenly went into labor at home, where she delivered her daughter. Neighbors rushed to help and arrived right after the birth. Afterward, though, they reported her to authorities because they suspected she had been trying to abort the baby. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
“They didn’t believe me when I said I didn’t try an abortion,” said Ramírez, who was freed on parole three years ago, after serving 12 years. “My daughter was left alone.”
