Associated Press, 9 May 1999

Filipinas sentenced in Saudi Arabia for performing abortions

JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - Two Filipinas convicted of performing abortions in Saudi Arabia have been sentenced to two years in prison and 700 lashes each, Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper reported Sunday.

The women, who were not identified, were convicted Saturday by a court in this Red Sea port city, the newspaper said. They will be deported after they complete their sentences, the paper said, quoting judge Sheik Hussein al-Hikmi.

The Filipinas, in their 30s, had been performing abortions in their home for three years and were charging $930, the newspaper said.

Last month, a Lebanese physician convicted of performing abortions was sentenced to life in prison.

Abortion is banned in this conservative Islamic kingdom except under extraordinary circumstances, such as when the mother's life is at risk.