Filipina maid in HK arrested for flushing fetus

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipina domestic helper in Hong Kong was arrested yesterday after she was suspected of flushing a 3-month-old fetus down a toilet, according to a report from The Standard Hong Kong .

The 32-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW), identified as “Ronna,” confessed that she was three months pregnant when she prematurely gave birth. She admitted to putting the fetus in the toilet in her employer’s flat and flushing it.

Ronna’s employer brought her to the Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai yesterday. A police spokesperson said that initial investigations revealed that she had given birth.

The sewage pipes in the building was search but nothing was found.

Ronna has been transferred to a custodial ward at the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital.

‘Call for compassion’

Meanwhile, employers and medical profession leaders called for compassion for Ronna.

Joseph Law, chairman of the Hong Kong Employers of Overseas Domestic Helpers Association, asked that Ronna be shown some ‘humanity,’ as this was a possible miscarriage.

The president of the Hong Kong Medical Association, Gabriel Choi Kin, said that even young pregnant locals have been known to deliver at home and throw fetuses in alleys or bins.

He added that at least 10 percent of pregnancies can result in spontaneous abortions.

Philippine Vice Consul Joy Bangodos promised to provide assistance to Ronna as soon as the consulate gets her full name from the Hong Kong police.

Philippines hails landmark maids treaty | Women News Network

MANILA — The Philippines, which sends out tens of thousands of maids to work abroad every year, on Friday hailed a landmark International Labour Organisation treaty giving protection to domestic workers.

President Benigno Aquino’s government had been one of the main proponents, foreign department spokesman Ed Malaya told AFP.

“Domestic household workers are among those most vulnerable to abuse and other risks. Having minimum standards to be observed by governments will undoubtedly lead to improvements in their situation,” Malaya said.

The Geneva-based ILO passed the treaty giving protection to an estimated 52.6 million domestic workers across the world on Thursday, with the Philippines and Uruguay having already said they would ratify the accord. . .

. . . read complete AFP release . . .