In Sri Lanka there is a process currently underway in cabinet to present the amendment to the abortion law that will allow abortions in two instances:
1. When the mother carries a foetus with Lethal Congenital Malformation.
2. When a woman becomes pregnant as a result of rape.
We urge the government to bring this before parliament, and we request ALL parliamentarians to support these amendments, across party lines. The current abortion law does not allow abortions unless caused in good faith for the purpose of saving the life of the woman.
This is grossly inadequate, and forces victims of rape and incest, some as young as twelve, to see their pregnancy through the full term. The physical and psychological trauma that victims of rape and incest undergo is unacceptable and against the democratic principles of the Sri Lanka that celebrates the right to equality. Daughters who suffer incestuous rape by their fathers should not be forced to carry their sibling to full term in Sri Lanka.
To read the full petition and support click HERE.