In Hong Kong, eleven domestic workers were arrested for suspected illegal abortions after police found a deceased fetus and evidence of abortion pills. The investigation has revealed that while abortion is legal under strict conditions in the region, these cases broke the law concerning the supply and use of abortion drugs.
Eleven Domestic Workers Arrested in Hong Kong for Illegal Abortions
Eleven Domestic Workers Arrested in Hong Kong for Illegal Abortions
Law enforcement apprehends a group of women involved in suspicious activities related to abortion.
Article text:
Hong Kong police have arrested eleven domestic workers in connection with illegal abortion activities, following a disturbing revelation involving a deceased fetus found at an employer's residence. The women, aged in their 30s and 40s, were apprehended after one individual was discovered with a foetus confirmed to be at least 28 weeks into gestation. Authorities suspected that the workers were involved in procuring abortion pills, leading to a wider investigation.
The police's initial inquiry began in June after emergency responders were called to assist a 39-year-old domestic worker who had collapsed at her job. Upon their arrival, paramedics made a shocking discovery; hidden in her laundry basket was the fetus, which had not been born alive. Upon questioning, the woman disclosed that she had obtained abortion pills from another domestic worker, prompting her arrest in July.
Subsequent police raids from July 29 to August 8 resulted in the detention of eight additional women, five of whom now face charges, while another five have been released on bail. Investigators have stated that one of the suspects, a 32-year-old foreign domestic helper, allegedly brought the pills into Hong Kong from abroad for distribution, suggesting the absence of a larger organized crime network.
In Hong Kong, abortions are permissible under strict regulations: within 24 weeks if the mother's health is at risk or if there are severe fetal abnormalities; beyond this period, the procedure is only allowed if the mother's life is endangered. Violating these laws can lead to significant prison sentences; those supplying or utilizing drugs for unlawful abortions could face up to seven years behind bars.
With around 368,000 foreign domestic workers residing in Hong Kong, the police have urgently reminded employers to encourage their workers to seek medical advice should any pregnancy occur. The demographics of these workers reveal a stable influx from countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia, who generally earn a set minimum wage established by the government.
Hong Kong police have arrested eleven domestic workers in connection with illegal abortion activities, following a disturbing revelation involving a deceased fetus found at an employer's residence. The women, aged in their 30s and 40s, were apprehended after one individual was discovered with a foetus confirmed to be at least 28 weeks into gestation. Authorities suspected that the workers were involved in procuring abortion pills, leading to a wider investigation.
The police's initial inquiry began in June after emergency responders were called to assist a 39-year-old domestic worker who had collapsed at her job. Upon their arrival, paramedics made a shocking discovery; hidden in her laundry basket was the fetus, which had not been born alive. Upon questioning, the woman disclosed that she had obtained abortion pills from another domestic worker, prompting her arrest in July.
Subsequent police raids from July 29 to August 8 resulted in the detention of eight additional women, five of whom now face charges, while another five have been released on bail. Investigators have stated that one of the suspects, a 32-year-old foreign domestic helper, allegedly brought the pills into Hong Kong from abroad for distribution, suggesting the absence of a larger organized crime network.
In Hong Kong, abortions are permissible under strict regulations: within 24 weeks if the mother's health is at risk or if there are severe fetal abnormalities; beyond this period, the procedure is only allowed if the mother's life is endangered. Violating these laws can lead to significant prison sentences; those supplying or utilizing drugs for unlawful abortions could face up to seven years behind bars.
With around 368,000 foreign domestic workers residing in Hong Kong, the police have urgently reminded employers to encourage their workers to seek medical advice should any pregnancy occur. The demographics of these workers reveal a stable influx from countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia, who generally earn a set minimum wage established by the government.
