11 foreign domestic helpers arrested in HK over fetal deaths and drug supply
發佈日期: 2025-08-08 20:02
TVB News
Police arrested 11 foreign domestic helpers on suspicion of procuring an abortion or supplying drugs to induce abortions.
Police received a report in June that a foreign domestic helper fainted at a residence in Tin Shui Wai. Paramedics discovered a 28-week-old fetus with no signs of life in a laundry basket beside her bed.
Authorities believe that she bought abortion pills from a friend.
In early July, police arrested the friend of the foreign domestic helper at the airport. The 32-year-old suspect also works as a domestic helper.
A raid at her work address uncovered suspected abortion drug packaging and 10 abortion pills.
Police revealed she had been supplying the medication she procured from other countries to other foreign domestic helpers since May last year.
LAM HO-YIN, Police Inspector, Yuen Long District Crime Squad Team 3, HKPF: "Assess the risk and understand the side effects of any medication. Do not blindly trust information online and take medications without the consultation with a registered medical practitioner."
Since late July, the police have arrested nine other domestic helpers, aged 30 to 46, across Hong Kong for allegedly using or supplying abortion drugs. Five of them have been charged and released on bail.
LAM HO-YIN, Police Inspector, Yuen Long District Crime Squad Team 3, HKPF: "Police would also like to remind employers to encourage their domestic helpers to seek medical attention if they find any signs of pregnancy. Laws vary among different countries. The police reiterate that supplying or consuming drugs to induce abortion without the consultation with a registered medical practitioner in Hong Kong is a criminal offence."
Authorities warn that aborting a fetus over 28 weeks carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment unless it's proved that it was done "in good faith for the purpose only of preserving the life of the mother."
Procuring drugs with intent to cause abortion and administrating drugs to procure abortion can also result in three to seven years behind bars upon conviction.
