In a significant law enforcement action, eleven domestic workers were arrested in Hong Kong on suspicion of involvement in illegal abortions and "child destruction," following the discovery of a dead foetus at one of their residences.
Eleven Domestic Workers Arrested for Illegal Abortions in Hong Kong
Eleven Domestic Workers Arrested for Illegal Abortions in Hong Kong
Authorities investigate illegal abortion practices amid rising concerns for the welfare of domestic workers.
The investigation commenced in June when paramedics were summoned to a home for a 39-year-old domestic worker who had collapsed. Upon arrival, they made a shocking find—a foetus over 28 weeks gestation concealed within a laundry basket. The woman reportedly confessed to purchasing abortion pills from a colleague after being questioned by police, which led to her arrest and a subsequent probe into the matter.
Between late July and early August, a series of operations resulted in the apprehension of ten more domestic workers. Currently, five individuals have been charged while the others are either out on bail or held for further inquiries. If charged with child destruction, they could face up to life imprisonment. Inspector Lam Ho-yin of the Yuen Long district crime unit stated that preliminary findings do not suggest the involvement of an organized crime syndicate, but rather indicate that one individual imported abortion pills from abroad to sell to others.
Under current laws in Hong Kong, abortion is permissible only under strict conditions, such as before 24 weeks gestation and in situations where the mother’s health is at risk or severe foetal abnormalities are identified. Beyond this timeframe, abortions are only permitted when the mother's life is endangered. Violators may face up to seven years in prison.
In light of this incident, police have urged employers to advise their domestic workers to seek medical assistance if they suspect they may be pregnant. The city is home to around 368,000 foreign domestic workers, primarily from the Philippines and Indonesia, many of whom work for a government-mandated minimum wage.
Between late July and early August, a series of operations resulted in the apprehension of ten more domestic workers. Currently, five individuals have been charged while the others are either out on bail or held for further inquiries. If charged with child destruction, they could face up to life imprisonment. Inspector Lam Ho-yin of the Yuen Long district crime unit stated that preliminary findings do not suggest the involvement of an organized crime syndicate, but rather indicate that one individual imported abortion pills from abroad to sell to others.
Under current laws in Hong Kong, abortion is permissible only under strict conditions, such as before 24 weeks gestation and in situations where the mother’s health is at risk or severe foetal abnormalities are identified. Beyond this timeframe, abortions are only permitted when the mother's life is endangered. Violators may face up to seven years in prison.
In light of this incident, police have urged employers to advise their domestic workers to seek medical assistance if they suspect they may be pregnant. The city is home to around 368,000 foreign domestic workers, primarily from the Philippines and Indonesia, many of whom work for a government-mandated minimum wage.
