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Rabat – Judicial police in Fez have opened an investigation into an abortion network, which includes seven people.
A statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) explained that the arrested individuals included a doctor specialized in obstetrics and gynecology.
The suspects include two people employed in a public clinic as assistants.
Among those arrested are two young people, including a 17-year old girl and her sister.
DGSN said that the suspects are involved in the “habitual practice” of abortion, forgery, and indecent assault, among others.
DGSN services launched the arrest operation based on information from the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST).
The suspects were caught red-handed by attempting to induce an abortion on a minor, who was the victim of “indecent assault and deception resulting in pregnancy.”
Preliminary investigations enabled the police to identify a doctor and his two assistants who worked in the private clinic.
The Police also seized a large number of medical records belonging to women who underwent illegal abortions.
All detainees are placed in custody, pending further investigation, except for the minor girl.
The investigation aims to uncover all relevant facts and circumstances of the case, and to determine the degree of involvement of all the suspects who participated in the criminal activity.
Article 453 of Morocco’s penal code criminalizes abortion except in cases in which a mother’s life is at risk. In such cases, abortion can be openly practiced with the spouse’s permission.
In Morocco, both the doctor and the patient may be held accountable and can face legal proceedings for illegal abortions.
The issue of abortion rights in Morocco has recently gone viral, with activists and feminists advocating for the decriminalization of abortion in the country.
The campaign gained traction in the country after the arrest of Moroccan journalist Hajar Raissouni in 2019 on the grounds for illegal abortion and for allegedly indulging in sex outside marriage.
Raissouni denied all accusations against her and received a royal pardon from King Mohammed VI a few days after her arrest.
Since the journalist’s arrest, activists have been demanding respect for individual rights and urged for a legislation to pass that abolishes the criminalization of abortion in Morocco.
