By Anna Tärnhuvud – Nicaragua is one of few countries in the world where abortion is totally illegal. In 2006 the law became even harder when the government made an agreement with the Catholic church and also banned therapeutic abortion. The number of girls in the age of 10-14, who are forced to give birth, has increased with 48 percent, since this law against all kind of abortion was introduced.
Young girls and women who have no other choice than make an abortion, has to do it illegally – which comes with big risks for their health and safety. Many of these girls have been sexually assaulted.
Belén became a mother at 17. Even if she doesn't regret it, she is struggling to keep up with school, and she miss the life as a normal teenagerBelén became a mother at 17. Even if she doesn't regret it, she is struggling to keep up with school, and she miss the life as a normal teenager16 years old Belén had an abortion - which led her boyfriend to call her a murderer.
Soon after she was pregnant again - but this time she decided not to have another abortion. Today her daughter is four years old.Abortion has always been prohibited in Nicaragua. But in 2006, the government banned even therapeutic abortion following an agreement with the Catholic Church.After Nichole had an abortion at a private clinic she had an infection so severe that she will never be able to have children in the future. – I think of it every day. It feels like God is punishing me for what I did, she says.Many young girls and women in Nicaragua are subjected to domestic violence and sexual assault.Lake Managua."Carla", 36, has made three abortions - all in private clinics. She believes that the lack of information and sex education though out Nicaragua contributes to the level of young women becoming pregnant at young age.The girls who live at Casa Alianza - a home for young mothers - often come from violent family relationships. Most of them have been sexual abused."In the beginning, I did not even know how to hold a baby, but I'm learning. I dream of seeing my daughter grow up, go to school and get a better life." Cielo, 17 years.One of the bedrooms at Casa Alianzas - home for young mothers."Sophie" was abused during childhood and moved in with her boyfriend when she was only 13 years old. "When I became pregnant, he did't want anything to do with me or the baby."14-year-old "Keylin" was twelve years old when she first came to Casa Alianza, as an escape from a sexually abusive family member. She tried to take care of her baby for a year, but it was to hard - so she gave her up for adoption.The girls at Casa Alianza are between 12 and 17 years. Most of them have experienced violence at home, and most of them have been sexually abused."Ashley", age 16, holds his two-month-old baby. Her family situation was so bad that she couldn't stay at home when she became pregnant.One of many Statues of the Virgin Mary that adorns parks and roundabouts around Managua.Because of the strict agortion laws Leslie, 37, almost died of an ectopic pregnancy. When nobody helped her a female doctor stepped in, executing an abortion and saving her life - even though risking punishment.Leslie has a large scar on her stomach, from the abortion that almost took her life.Leslie thought she was going to die. While she wasn't getting any help she she kept thinking of her nine years old son - who could become an orphan.Lake Managua.
