Police in Bolivia are investigating the death of a 19-year-old woman who died January 5 subsequent to taking abortion pills, according to local authorities.
“The case began as an incident of poisoning due to the consumption of an unknown substance, but after the autopsy it was confirmed that the young woman swallowed abortion pills, which led to her death,” the El Alto Special Anti-Crime Taskforce said, according to Bolivia media. El Alto is Bolivia’s second-largest city.
The unidentified young woman arrived at the hospital accompanied by her male partner, Regional Police Commander Adrian Alvarez said, according to the El Deber website. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the victim died after hours of treatment at the hospital, he said.
“The partner was arrested preventively, but was released under personal recognizance,” Alvarez said. “However, an investigation is ongoing to clarify the circumstances of the incident.”
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The crime taskforce is also investigating whether other individuals were involved in the supply or sale of the substances leading to the young woman's death. In addition, police will conduct operations to identify pharmacies and other outlets selling illegal abortifacient drugs in the region near La Paz, the national capital. Authorities are asking the public to report businesses and individuals involved in the illegal sale of these dangerous drugs.
According to Álvarez, the pills not only took the life of the young mother, but also her baby. The abortion pills she consumed caused massive internal hemorrhaging, ending both lives, according to police.
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On January 7, police arrested a 24-year-old woman suspected of selling abortion pills. They did not confirm whether the suspect may have sold the pills that killed the young woman on January 5.
"The woman who sold these products was found in the vicinity of the Public University of El Alto,” Alvarez said. “Now, the arrested young woman will be sent to the taskforce so that the investigation can begin."
Bolivia’s penal code allows for abortion within the first eight weeks of pregnancy under certain circumstances. Mifepristone abortion drugs are legally allowed for abortion, even though some women have reportedly been arrested for inducing abortion on their own.
