On February 23^rd a very interesting article was posted about Nicaragua’s abortion ban that prevented a cancer patient from receiving necessary treatment for her cancer. First and foremost, I encourage all interested in topics concerning abortion rights to take a look at this article.

A 27 year old woman (Amelia) in Nicaragua was diagnosed with cancer that has metastasized in her brain, lungs and breast. She has a 10 year old daughter already and is currently pregnant. Focusing on the abortion laws of Nicaragua, I understand that it is illegal for any woman to receive an abortion operation EVEN IF her health or life is at risk. For crying out loud, when do we draw the line here?  We are dealing with a relatively young woman who is suffering from a LIFE THREATENING disease that is only worsening.  She already has a daughter that she needs to care for. The burden of another child while fighting this disease is not only detrimental to the woman’s health, but it is also detrimental for the child as well.

With the help of different organizations and associations, a petition was filed with the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights to demand the Nicaraguan government to adopt immediate measures that will protect her life. The petition was to no avail, the Nicaraguan government stands strong in that it will be deemed illegal for Amelia to receive an abortion. If she receives this abortion, she will be sentenced to death and her ten year old daughter will be orphaned.

The circumstances of this situation are so sad and disheartening. From my understanding Amelia’s options are to go through the operation while pregnant and risk her life as well as the life of her unborn baby, or for her not to go through any procedure and just suffer for months (as she has been since January).

From the government’s perspective, I understand that you want a country where abortion is illegal. HOWEVER, when the LIFE of one of YOUR people is at risk then why are we arguing? Realistically speaking, we are arguing about life or death. Clearly the government has come to a conclusion that it is okay for Amelia to suffer or even worse….die. It just seems that the government is trying to prove a point.  You would rather lose one life, than save one? Well, in this case it may be losing two lives because of the unborn child.

It’s such a shame that there are still close minded and very ignorant people in power. My heart goes out to Amelia and to everyone else suffering from her current situation. As of right now all we can do is hope for a better tomorrow and better individuals in power. Most importantly, it’s important for us to get out and advocate for the rights of women and spread the word of what is going on from an international focus.

This is reality.