Eleven women were arrested in Hong Kong amid an investigation into illegal abortions, highlighting existing tensions around reproductive rights in the region.
Eleven Domestic Workers Arrested in Hong Kong Over Illegal Abortions
Eleven Domestic Workers Arrested in Hong Kong Over Illegal Abortions
Police apprehend women suspected of "child destruction" in a case involving illicit abortion pills.
In a startling development, Hong Kong police have arrested eleven domestic workers on charges of "child destruction" and involvement in illegal abortions. The women, aged between 30 and 45, were detained following the discovery of a deceased fetus, estimated to be at least 28 weeks along, at one of the women's employer's residences. The investigation unfolded after paramedics responded to a 39-year-old domestic worker who had collapsed; they subsequently found the fetus concealed in a laundry basket.
The probe began in earnest in June when emergency services were called upon to assist the distressed worker. Upon questioning, she revealed purchasing abortion pills from a colleague, leading to her arrest in July. This prompted police to conduct multiple raids over a span of ten days, ultimately resulting in the detention of an additional ten women. Five individuals have been formally charged, with the remainder granted bail while one remains in custody pending further inquiries. If convicted of the grave charge of child destruction, they could face life imprisonment.
Inspector Lam Ho-yin, who oversees the investigation unit in Yuen Long, indicated that preliminary data suggests this network does not operate like a conventional crime syndicate. Rather, authorities believe at least one worker allegedly brought the pills from overseas, subsequently distributing them among her peers.
In Hong Kong, abortion is permissible under stringent conditions, namely within 24 weeks if continuing the pregnancy poses a risk to the mother’s health or in cases of severe fetal abnormalities. Beyond 24 weeks, abortions can only legally proceed if the mother’s life is jeopardized. Individuals involved in the procurement or administration of abortion drugs could face substantial penalties, including seven years behind bars.
On Friday, law enforcement urged employers to encourage any domestic workers who may be pregnant to seek medical consultations. The city is home to approximately 368,000 foreign domestic workers, predominantly originating from the Philippines and Indonesia, with many earning a minimum wage set by the government at HK$4,990 (approximately US$636).
