Imelda Córtez is a young Salvadoran woman, 21 years old, who has spent two years in prison accused of “attempted homicide” after she experienced an out-of hospital birth. Imelda had gotten pregnant after being subjected to sexual abuse and rape by her mother’s spouse. On Monday, December 17, 2018, a court exonerated her and decreed her freedom with no pending charges.

We of IM-Defensoras celebrate her release and extend our acknowledgement and congratulations to Salvadoran organizational and individual sexual and reproductive rights defenders. In a country where abortion is still criminalized and women suffer serious restrictions on their reproductive rights, their work has been critical in the struggle to free Imelda.

#FreedomForThe17 
#WHRDSeedsOfChange