David Awoyode
In August 2025, President Luis Abinader signed into law the Dominican Republic’s new penal code, replacing legislation that had been in force for more than 100 years. The law, which will take effect in August 2026, introduces modern criminal categories such as femicide, contract killings, cyberbullying, economic violence, pyramid schemes, kidnapping, genocide, and crimes against humanity. It also raises maximum prison sentences to 60 years for the most serious crimes.
Absolute Ban on Abortion Maintained
One of the most notable aspects of the new code is that it retains a total ban on abortion, a decision celebrated by the country’s pro-life movement.
Church Leaders Welcome Law
Father Mario de la Cruz Campusano, episcopal vicar for Family and Life of the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo, praised lawmakers and the president for approving a code that “enshrines the inviolability of life.” He noted that the legislation not only criminalizes abortion but also modernizes many other aspects of criminal law.
Pro-Life Groups Call It a Generational Victory
Damaris Patrocinio, president of the Forum of Women in Defense of Life and the Family (FOMUDEVI), described the passage as the result of “decades of struggle.” She credited earlier advocates such as Pelegrín Castillo, Mercy Núñez de Avilés, Bishop Víctor Masalles, and the late Father Luis Rosario for laying the groundwork.
Lawyers Strengthened Provisions
In January, FOMUDEVI enlisted five lawyers—Fabio Caminero, Carolina Moreno, Laura Félix, Katerine Gómez Hernández, and Martha Jáquez—to review and amend articles of the code to reinforce protections for life and family. Among their contributions was ensuring abortion remained fully criminalized, consistent with Article 37 of the constitution.
Medical Exception Clarified
The law includes a provision exempting doctors from punishment if, after exhausting all available means, a pregnancy is terminated in order to save the life of the mother, the unborn child, or both. Pro-life leaders stressed that this aligns with existing Ministry of Health protocols.
Family Protections Remain
The code reaffirms the constitutional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman under Article 55. It also introduces clauses supporting conscientious objection, protecting individuals from being forced to act against deeply held moral, religious, or ethical beliefs.
Tackling New Criminal Offenses
The legislation formally recognizes contract killings, cyberbullying, and economic violence as punishable crimes. Patrocinio praised some advances, while noting that definitions such as “economic violence” could be open to manipulation.
Criticism From Opponents
Pro-choice advocates expressed disappointment at the continued ban on abortion. Patrocinio dismissed their objections, saying their ideal code would “only include unrestricted abortion, sexual indoctrination, and surrender of national sovereignty.”
A Year of Transition Ahead
The code will undergo a “vacatio legis” period until August 2026, allowing time to refine language and penalties without changing its core provisions. FOMUDEVI and other pro-life groups pledged to remain vigilant against attempts to weaken protections.
With overwhelming approval—159–4 in the Chamber of Deputies and 27–1 in the Senate—the law marks a turning point in Dominican legislative history, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to pro-life values.
