The National Dominican Women's Caucus Condemns the Approval of the New Dominican Criminal Code

- For Immediate Release -

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New York, NY | July 7, 2024 – In an action that has generated great bewilderment and disapproval, the National Dominican Women's Caucus (NDWC), a non-profit organization based in the United States, condemns the recent approval by the Senate of the Dominican Republic of a new penal code that excludes the 3 Causes. This penal code has been approved after 20 years and was supported by the majority, except for Senators Ivan Lorenzo and Faride Raful, who opposed the omission of these essential grounds.

The right of a woman to decide about her body, especially when her life is at risk, is an issue that transcends national borders and represents a global clamor of all women. Currently, the Dominican Republic is among the few countries, along with Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Malta, that do not consider exceptions to abortion even in extreme situations. The incorporation of the 3 Causes would allow the legal termination of pregnancy under specific circumstances: risk of life for the mother, non-viability of the fetus outside the uterus, or when the pregnancy results from rape or incest.

The process of approval of this code has been criticized for its speed, which has prevented an adequate review of the code by legislators. "This omission is not only a violation of human rights, but also a blatant disregard for the health and lives of women," says Zenaida Mendez, President of NDWC.

In addition, NDWC denounces that the new version of the penal code, besides omitting the grounds, does not include protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation, grants impunity to churches, establishes a 20-year statute of limitations for corruption offenses, maintains military criminal jurisdictions and justifies violence against children. "This version of the penal code is not only regressive and discriminatory, but also jeopardizes the rights and protection of women and promotes aggression against children," says Mendez.

Auretnisse Santos, board member and director of the Mental Health Committee, comments, "It is deeply troubling that the new code includes these regressions, which not only put lives at risk but also have a devastating impact on the mental health of our women and children." For her part, Candida Bido, also a member of the Board of Directors and leader of the Biological Health Committee, notes, "From the Caucus, we note a similar pattern in the United States, where reproductive rights are determined state by state, a situation exacerbated by the repeal of Roe v. Wade during the Donald Trump administration. This is especially alarming given that the United States is home to the largest population of the Dominican diaspora, underscoring the importance and urgency of this issue globally."  

Regardless of the Senate's decision, the NDWC reaffirms its commitment to continue fighting for women's reproductive rights. "We will fight tirelessly until women's fundamental rights are respected in the Dominican Republic and around the world," Mendez concludes.

About the National Dominican Women's Caucus:The National Dominican Women's Caucus (NDWC) is a non-partisan organization that unites activists, scholars, and advocates in pursuit of a vision of an inclusive and effective democracy. As a result, the Caucus promotes reforms that include all New Yorkers and motivates everyone's participation in civil society. We are advocates of equal gender political participation and work to foster responsive and responsible governance.