By Anakaren Perales | Project leader
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) held a public hearing in San José, Costa Rica, on March 22 and 23, 2023, concerning Beatriz, a young woman who requested an abortion from the State of El Salvador in 2013 to save her life and health. During these days, it became evident before the eyes of many people, who were able to be part of the hearing through virtual platforms, that Beatriz's rights to life, integrity and health, as well as her right to autonomy and access to justice and judicial guarantees, among others, were violated.
According to testimony, medical expertise, and documentary evidence, it was demonstrated that omitting the termination of the pregnancy when it was medically recommended aggravated the situation of risk to Beatriz's life and health, as well as her integrity and physical health.
After two days of hearings, the IACHR Court received sufficient arguments to recognize that the absolute criminalization of abortion in El Salvador is against the duty of protecting rights. It also recognized that abortion should be permitted as a health service in cases like the one referred to.
All countries where abortion is criminalized repeat Beatriz's case, and this is an excellent opportunity for the IACHR Court to establish precedents and standards that will be followed by all signatories to the American Convention on Human Rights to protect the health, life, and integrity of pregnant women.
Through the communications campaigns that were launched on platforms and social networks, Ipas LAC is grateful for the support provided by your donations to continue sharing Beatriz's case beyond national borders. A decision is expected to be rendered by the IACHR Court by the end of the year. This could set a very significant precedent for changing highly restrictive abortion laws in Central America if it succeeds.
Please visit www.justiciaparabeatriz.org/en for updates on this case.
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