Police Discover Hidden Foetus and Pills
Eleven domestic workers have been arrested in Hong Kong over suspected domestic workers illegal abortions and “child destruction.”
The case began when a 39-year-old worker collapsed at her employer’s home. Paramedics found a dead foetus in her room, later confirmed to be at least 28 weeks old.
Officers also recovered pills believed to be abortion drugs. The woman admitted buying them from another domestic worker, leading police to 10 more suspects.
Raids and Arrests Across the City
Police carried out raids between 29 July and 8 August, arresting eight more women. Five have been charged, five are on bail, and one remains in custody.
If convicted of the most serious charge, child destruction, the women could face life imprisonment.
Inspector Lam Ho-yin said this did not appear to be the work of an organised syndicate. Instead, a 32-year-old helper allegedly brought the pills from abroad and sold them locally. Authorities have not revealed the nationalities of the suspects.
Hong Kong’s Strict Abortion Laws
In Hong Kong, abortion is legal only under strict conditions, before 24 weeks, if the mother’s health is at risk, or in cases of severe foetal abnormality.
Abortions after 24 weeks are allowed only if the mother’s life is in danger. Using or supplying abortion drugs illegally can result in up to seven years in jail.
Police urged employers to ensure domestic workers seek medical advice if pregnant. Hong Kong is home to about 368,000 foreign domestic workers, mostly from the Philippines and Indonesia, earning a set minimum wage of HK$4,990 monthly.
