PERU: ABORTION/PROTEST Peruvians march in favor of increased abortion rights in cases of rape

Record ID: 143827

  • Title: PERU: ABORTION/PROTEST Peruvians march in favor of increased abortion rights in cases of rape
  • Date: 13th August 2015
  • Summary: ***WARNING CONTAINS NUDITY*** ***WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** MORE OF TOPLESS PROTESTERS FORMING LINE
  • Embargoed: 28th August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Peru
  • Country: Peru
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA6C61VMKJGMS3TIHH5HC7B7BYZ
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Spirited protesters stormed the streets of Lima Wednesday (August 12) and marched on the country's Congress to raise awareness for abortion rights, pleading with the Peruvian government to legalise the procedure in instances of rape.
    The activists are urging Peruvian Congress to formally debate the measure. It has been voted down in the past.
    Like many Latin American countries, Peru restricts abortion. Currently, Lima does allow for abortions when the mother's life is in jeopardy or health is in danger. But activists led by the group, "Let Her Decide" (Dejala Decidir), are seeking to further expand coverage.
    Many activists, both male and female, marched topless. Many wore body paint that read, "Legalise my decision." Others made use of women's underwear to illustrate dangers of banning abortion.
    Their turnout was estimated in the hundreds. Polls have shown roughly half the country supports such a policy change.
    In recent years, Peru has seen fights over access to morning-after pills, among other social showdowns.
    This most recent skirmish resulted in riot police unleashing water cannons and tear gas.
    The spokeswoman for "Let Her Decide" spoke to Reuters about the philosophy fuelling the measure.
    "Because we are in agreement with abortion, we think that neither the state nor any institution should impose its will on a pregnancy, especially when its the product of something as violent as rape," activist Melva Chavez said.
    Peru is reported to be the home to 350,000 clandestine abortions a year, according to La Republica newspaper.
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