Paulina: in the name of the law.

In July of 1999 13-year-old Paulina del Carmen Ramirez Jacinto was raped in front of family members by a man who broke into her home to rob them. As a result Paulina became pregnant. She and her mother requested an abortion to which they had the legal right as dictated by Mexican law in all 31 states and the Federal District for victims of rape. Unfortunately the justice officials and health authorities of Baja California where the crime was committed impeded Paulina from terminating the pregnancy. They put their religious beliefs before the legal obligations that come with their positions as public servants. This document offers basic information to people interested in the defense of human rights and reproductive and sexual rights. It is hoped that justice may be served in the case of Paulina and that this may be the last story of its kind.