Main content

El Salvador: Woman who gave birth to rapist's baby faces 20 years in jail

A 20 year old woman in El Salvador is awaiting trial for the attempted murder of her baby, despite police officers finding the child alive and well. Imelda Cortez gave birth after being raped by her elderly stepfather. However, she is accused of trying to have an abortion, which could carry a 20 year prison sentence under the country's strict anti-abortion laws.

The trial has now been suspended until next month, because the judge said he felt ill. It means that Imelda, who has been in custody since April 2017, must spend another month in jail before facing trial.

Paula Avila Guillen - the Director of Latin America Initiatives at the Women’s Equality Center - is following the trial in El Salvador.

(Photo: Protests against strict abortion laws in El Salvador. Credit: Getty Images)

Release date:

Duration:

3 minutes