El Salvador criminalizes abortion in all forms, leaving thousands of women exposed to prosecution, injustice, and even death.
In El Salvador, abortion is banned in all circumstances—even in cases of rape, risk to the mother’s life, or fetal malformations. This total ban, in place since 1998, has turned many women into victims of a judicial system that punishes them with sentences of up to 50 years in prison.
Women criminalized for obstetric emergencies in El Salvador
Teodora Vásquez is one of them. At 22, she suffered a miscarriage while working at a school. Instead of receiving medical care and support, she was accused of homicide and sentenced to 30 years in prison. «I never imagined I would go to jail for something I didn’t do,» recalls Teodora, now the director of the Mujeres Libres Association.
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After spending 11 years in prison, Teodora was released thanks to pressure from feminist organizations. However, her struggle continues: «When everyone went home, I was left alone, without a job and with a criminal record.» Today, she works to prevent other women from suffering the same fate.
Criminalized abortion: a law that punishes pain
According to Mariana Moisa, from the Citizens’ Group for the Decriminalization of Abortion, «Women in El Salvador face disproportionate sentences, up to 50 years in prison.» This has led to the criminalization of those who experience obstetric complications and miscarriages.
The case of Beatriz, a young woman diagnosed with lupus in 2013, illustrates the severity of this law. Her pregnancy put her life at risk, but the state denied her a therapeutic abortion. Beatriz died in 2018, and her family continues to demand justice. «We want reparations for my sister,» says her brother Humberto, who participates in memorial events demanding compliance with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) ruling against El Salvador.
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Clandestine abortions: a deadly risk
The abortion ban has not stopped the practice but has forced thousands of women into unsafe procedures. Adriana Oliva, from the Youth Network for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, points out that «access to information about reproductive rights is nearly nonexistent.» This, combined with stigma, pushes many women to resort to clandestine methods that put their lives at risk.
In 2020, artist Residente questioned President Nayib Bukele about this situation. Although Bukele acknowledged the unjust criminalization of women for miscarriages, he reaffirmed his opposition to abortion. For activists, the real tragedy is the lack of access to reproductive healthcare.
A fight for justice and human rights
Feminist organizations continue their struggle. Teodora Vásquez and other formerly incarcerated women share their stories through theatrical performances, hoping to raise awareness. «We want to leave a legacy so our story doesn’t repeat itself,» says Teodora.
Treicy Sánchez, a psychologist who has attended these performances, states: «It’s incredible to see how they transform their pain into art.»
In 2024, the IACHR ruled against El Salvador in Beatriz’s case, setting a historic precedent. However, in 2025, abortion remains fully criminalized. «Continuing the fight for decriminalization is our inspiration,» says Adriana Oliva.
Meanwhile, the streets of San Salvador remain filled with protests demanding justice, equality, and respect for human rights. Despite nearly three decades of struggle, the cause remains as urgent as ever.
Discover how a miscarriage led to a 30-year prison sentence in this shocking case.
