The investigation commenced in June after paramedics responded to a call for a 39-year-old domestic helper who had collapsed at her workplace. Upon their arrival, paramedics discovered the fetus concealed in a laundry basket in the woman's room. Subsequently, the woman confessed to procuring abortion pills from a fellow foreign domestic worker, leading to her arrest in July. This prompted police to conduct a series of raids from July 29 to August 8, resulting in the arrest of ten additional domestic workers.
While five of the women have been charged, the others are out on bail or remain in custody for further investigation. Conviction on the charge of "child destruction" could result in a life sentence. According to Inspector Lam Ho-yin, preliminary evidence indicates that the case does not involve a criminal syndicate, but rather a single 32-year-old foreign domestic worker who allegedly imported abortion pills from abroad and sold them to her peers.
In Hong Kong, abortion is permissible only under strict regulations, including before 24 weeks of pregnancy under specific conditions relating to the mother’s health or severe fetal abnormality. Abortions after 24 weeks can only occur if the mother's life is at considerable risk. Those found guilty of participating in illegal abortion practices could face significant prison sentences.
In light of these events, police have urged employers to encourage their domestic workers to seek medical advice if they suspect they may be pregnant. Hong Kong is home to around 368,000 foreign domestic workers, primarily from the Philippines and Indonesia, many of whom earn a minimum monthly wage mandated by the government.
While five of the women have been charged, the others are out on bail or remain in custody for further investigation. Conviction on the charge of "child destruction" could result in a life sentence. According to Inspector Lam Ho-yin, preliminary evidence indicates that the case does not involve a criminal syndicate, but rather a single 32-year-old foreign domestic worker who allegedly imported abortion pills from abroad and sold them to her peers.
In Hong Kong, abortion is permissible only under strict regulations, including before 24 weeks of pregnancy under specific conditions relating to the mother’s health or severe fetal abnormality. Abortions after 24 weeks can only occur if the mother's life is at considerable risk. Those found guilty of participating in illegal abortion practices could face significant prison sentences.
In light of these events, police have urged employers to encourage their domestic workers to seek medical advice if they suspect they may be pregnant. Hong Kong is home to around 368,000 foreign domestic workers, primarily from the Philippines and Indonesia, many of whom earn a minimum monthly wage mandated by the government.
