In episode two, we journey to El Salvador, a country described by the United Nations as one of the most dangerous places in the world for women. El Salvador has a total ban on abortion, and as a result, women are being jailed for suspected abortions, stillbirths, and miscarriages. This week, we meet Teodora Vasquez, a woman who experienced an obstetric emergency late into her pregnancy while at work. She called 911.They never came. Instead, the authorities showed up late, and accused her of trying to end her own pregnancy. Teodora was one of the first 17 women incarcerated for obstetric emergencies and sentenced to 30 to 40 years in prison. But when Teodora was released, she was determined to create a better life for herself and the women who came after. As the founder of a grassroots organization called Mujeres Libres, Teodora’s story shows us why we should never give up the fight – even in the face of totalitarianism, and how when you band together with aligned activists – you can make a difference.
Entonces is edited by Carla Roda
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