Nicaraguan President Bolanos Sends Bill Mandating 10 To 30 Year Sentences For Violating Abortion Ban To Legislature, Officials Say

Nicaraguan President Enrique Bolanos has submitted to the country's Legislature a bill that would mandate prison sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years for women who undergo an abortion and for those who assist them, officials announced on Monday, the AP/International Herald Tribune reports. According to the AP/Tribune, the bill would ban medical abortions even when a woman's life or health is at risk, exceptions currently allowed under the country's abortion ban. The Women's Autonomous Movement of Nicaragua, a women's rights group, on Monday said it will file an injunction if the bill is approved by Congress, the AP/Herald Tribune reports. The Legislature next week is scheduled to vote on the bill, which is expected to be approved, according to the AP/Herald Tribune (AP/International Herald Tribune, 10/16).

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