Paraguay opposes Zika-related abortions

Paraguay will not legalize therapeutic abortions for pregnant women infected with the Zika virus, Public Health Minister Antonio Barrios said here on Tuesday.

Therapeutic abortions won't be discussed because there has been no definite proof that the Zika virus causes the birth defect microcephaly, Barrios said.

"For sure, there is no scientific evidence that this is the case. It is thought the virus' significant effect occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy," Barrios told reporters.

Abortions are illegal in Paraguay except for pregnant women whose life is in danger. Women found guilty of having an abortion are subject to five years in jail. Doctors that perform the operation may lose their medical license and also face a prison term.

Paraguay has registered six Zika cases in Pedro Juan Caballero, the capital of Amambay department. Barrios warned pregnant women against travelling to Zika-hit areas, such as Amambay.

He advised those who have to travel to take precautions to avoid coming in contact with the virus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that carry Zika.

On Jan. 11, Paraguay's health authorities issued an epidemiological state of alert due to an increase in cases of dengue fever, Zika and chikungunya, three diseases spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the South American country. Endit