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Forced abortions were reproductive violence, rules Colombian commission

In a world first, a truth commission reviewing Colombia’s war has adopted a definition for reproductive violence

Forced abortions were reproductive violence, rules Colombian commission
FARC rebels march through a guerrilla camp deep in the jungles of southern Colombia, June 22, 2001 | Eliana Aponte REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo
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Colombia has taken a huge step forward in guaranteeing the rights of women victims of its nearly 60-year civil war.

In its final report, the Truth Commission (CEV) acknowledged that the conflict had involved ‘reproductive violence’: forced contraception and abortions for adult women combatants and illegally recruited minor girls in armed groups.

It is the first time that a truth commission has adopted this definition.