UN Condemns Forced Motherhood as Human Rights Abuse, But Lacks Enforcement
The UN Human Rights Committee ruled against Ecuador and Nicaragua for violating the human rights of three girls forced into motherhood at age 13, marking the first time the committee recognized forced motherhood as a human rights violation. This landmark decision compels both countries to provide reparations to the survivors and reform their laws to guarantee access to abortion in cases of rape or risk to life. The ruling sets a global precedent for the 173 states party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, impacting countries’ obligations to protect children’s rights and reproductive health. Failure to comply could damage the countries’ international standing, although the committee lacks enforcement power.
John Q. Hosedrinker