Abortion Pills Kill Young Mother In Bolivia
A young woman's death has reopened debate about abortion pills in the South American republic.
Police in Bolivia are investigating the death of a 19-year-old woman who died on January 5, due to consuming abortion pills.
The Special Anti-Crime Taskforce in El Alto, Bolivia’s second-largest city, stated, 'The case began as an incident of poisoning due to the consumption of an unknown substance, but after the autopsy it was confirmed that the young woman swallowed abortion pills, which led to her death.” Regional police commander Adrian Alvarez stated that the unidentified young woman arrived at hospital in the company of her male partner.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the victim died after hours of treatment at the hospital. A photograph shared by police showed Cytotec brand Mifepristone tablets.
Officer Alvarez stated, “The partner was arrested preventively, but was released under personal recognizance. However, an investigation is ongoing to clarify the circumstances of the incident.” The crime taskforce is also investigating whether other people are involved in the supply or sale of the substances that caused the young woman's death. In addition, police will conduct operations to identify pharmacies and other outlets selling illegal abortifacient drugs in the region near La Paz, the national capital. Authorities are asking the public to report businesses and individuals involved in the illegal sale of these dangerous substances.
According to Álvarez, the pills not only took the life of the young mother, but also her baby. The abortion pills she consumed caused massive internal hemorrhaging, ending both lives.
On January 7, police arrested a 24-year-old woman suspected of selling abortion pills. They did not report whether or not the suspect may have sold the pills that killed the young woman on Jan. 5. "The woman who sold these products was found in the vicinity of the Public University of El Alto. Now, the arrested young woman will be sent to the taskforce so that the investigation can begin," said Álvarez.
The incident has reopened national debate in Bolivia over regulation and access to abortion drugs. The country’s penal code allows for abortion within the first eight weeks of pregnancy under certain circumstances. Mifepristone abortion drugs are legally allowed for abortion, even though some women have reportedly been arrested for inducing abortion on their own.