What are Reproductive Rights of Affected Women Who Get Pregnant?

Natalia Largaespada Beer

So far, the Ministry has not detected any case of microcephaly in unborn children among mothers who have tested positive for zika during pregnancy. Nor has there been any finding of other neurological conditions. But what are the reproductive rights of affected women?  

Dr. Natalia Largaespada Beer, Maternal & Child Health Adviser, MOH

“Well we do have the sexual and reproductive rights of men and women. Our responsibility is to provide counseling and what are the risks, if there are any risks. They receive the information and they have the right to choose or to make a decision based on the information that we have provided them. So if they decide because the evidence is there, there might be a great compromise of the fetus, in the criminal code, there is an opportunity for therapeutic abortion. But it has to be following the law which is recommended by one registered medical practitioner and supported in good faith and based on evidence by another two medical practitioners that are registered.”

Duane Moody

“Has any of that happened?”

Dr. Natalia Largaespada Beer

“None. None.”

On Wednesday, we’ll report on the increase in air-borne viruses and the collaboration between Belize and Mexico to contain the disease.