Hong Kong police arrest 11 domestic workers over suspected illegal abortions

International

A HIDDEN fetus in a laundry basket led Hong Kong police to uncover a suspected network of illegal abortions involving 11 foreign domestic workers.

The discovery of suspected abortion drugs and the body of the unborn child in an employer’s home led to a series of arrests made between late July and early August.

The investigation began in June, when paramedics were called to assist a 39-year-old domestic worker who had collapsed at work. In her room, officers said, they found the foetus, later confirmed to be at least 28 weeks old and not born alive.

During questioning, the woman admitted buying abortion pills from another domestic worker. She was arrested in July, triggering a series of raids that, over a 10-day span from 29 July to 8 August, saw eight more women detained. Two others were arrested in related operations as the inquiry widened.

According to a BBC report, Inspector Lam Ho-yin of the Yuen Long district crime squad said there was no sign of an organised syndicate. Instead, initial findings suggested that “the 32-year-old foreign domestic helper… brought them back from another country” and allegedly sold the pills to others.

Of the 11 arrested, five have been formally charged, five released on bail, and one remains in custody for further investigation. Police have not disclosed the women’s nationalities or the specific charges each faces.

Under Hong Kong law, abortion is legal only under strict conditions — before 24 weeks and when the mother’s life or health is at risk, or in cases of severe foetal abnormality. After 24 weeks, procedures are allowed only if the mother’s life is in danger. The offence of “child destruction” can carry a life sentence, while the illegal supply or use of abortion drugs is punishable by up to seven years in prison.

On Friday, police urged employers to ensure domestic workers seek professional medical advice if pregnant.

Hong Kong is home to about 368,000 foreign domestic workers, according to government statistics. Some 55% come from the Philippines and 42% from Indonesia, earning a statutory minimum wage of HK$4,990 (US$636; £473) per month.(MyTVCebu)