Eleven Domestic Workers in Hong Kong Arrested for Suspected Illegal Abortions

Tue Oct 21 2025 04:26:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Hong Kong police arrest eleven domestic workers in connection with illegal abortions and child destruction after a disturbing discovery at an employer's home.

Following the discovery of a dead fetus in a domestic worker's room, Hong Kong police arrested eleven women for suspected illegal abortions. The investigation, sparked by an emergency call, revealed the presence of abortion pills and led to multiple arrests. With strict abortion laws in place, this case raises significant concerns about health and safety among foreign domestic workers.

Eleven domestic workers have been arrested in Hong Kong on suspicion of "child destruction" and involvement in illegal abortions, according to police reports. The women, aged between 30 and 40, were detained after one was discovered at her employer’s home with a dead fetus, confirmed to be at least 28 weeks old. During the investigation, authorities found drugs believed to be abortion pills, which led to the identification of the ten other women.

Of the eleven arrested, five have been charged, while the others are either on bail or remanded in custody for further questioning. If convicted of the most serious charge of child destruction, they could face a life sentence. The investigation commenced in June after paramedics were called to assist a 39-year-old domestic worker who had collapsed at her employer’s residence. Paramedics later discovered the fetus concealed in a laundry basket.

Upon questioning, the woman confessed to acquiring the pills from a friend, another foreign domestic worker. Subsequent raids conducted by police between July 29 and August 8 resulted in the detention of eight additional domestic workers. Inspector Lam Ho-yin from the Yuen Long district crime squad indicated that the investigation does not appear to involve a larger crime syndicate; rather, it seems a 32-year-old worker may have brought the abortion pills from abroad and was allegedly selling them.

While abortions are legal in Hong Kong, they are tightly regulated and can only be performed under specific circumstances, such as when the pregnancy risks the mother's health or in cases of severe fetal abnormalities. Abortions after 24 weeks are permitted solely when the mother’s life is at stake. Those found guilty of supplying or utilizing abortion-related drugs face up to seven years in prison.

In light of these events, police have urged employers to encourage their domestic workers to consult medical professionals if they suspect they may be pregnant. The city is home to approximately 368,000 foreign domestic workers, predominantly from the Philippines and Indonesia, with many earning a fixed monthly minimum wage.