Israeli Hostages Impregnated by Hamas Captors Face Difficult Decisions
Israeli Hostages Face Dilemma of Unwanted Pregnancies
A new report reveals that Israeli hostages who have been raped by their Hamas captors in Gaza will have to make difficult decisions about their pregnancies upon their release. Officials from Israel’s Ministries of Welfare and Health are working on plans to address the possibility of unwanted pregnancies among women who were kidnapped by terrorists after the deadly Oct. 7 attacks, according to local news outlet Walla!.
Streamlining the Process for Pregnant Former Captives
In Israel, a pregnancy termination committee typically decides whether to grant abortion requests. However, officials are considering bypassing this step to expedite the process for pregnant former captives. This is especially important as over 130 Israelis, including young women and teenage girls, remain in Hamas captivity after nearly four months. Preliminary information suggests that some of them have experienced sexual abuse during the initial attacks and while in captivity.
Creating a Comprehensive Program for Assistance
Civilian authorities, with the assistance of the Israel Defense Forces, are developing a program that will coordinate resources for treating sexually abused hostages. This program will provide medical and psychological help to women at different stages of pregnancy. The Wolfson hospital in Holon has already prepared infrastructure and protocols for receiving freed captives. Medical staff will examine each patient for injuries and assess the development of the fetus if she is found to be pregnant.
Deciding Whether to Terminate or Continue the Pregnancy
Former Hamas hostages will be offered assistance with processing their trauma in the second stage of the program. At this point, they will have to decide whether to terminate their pregnancy if it is still possible and safe for the mother, or continue with the pregnancy. Women who choose to keep their babies will receive financial, legal, and mental health support from the government.
Concerns About Delayed Release and Pregnancy Risks
Relatives of female captives have emphasized the urgency of freeing the remaining hostages to minimize the risk of unwanted pregnancies. The longer these women remain in captivity, the higher the risk becomes. If they are not released for several more months, it may be too late to terminate their pregnancies. Prof. Tal Biron-Shental, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Meir Medical Center, has called for immediate action to prevent this potential tragedy.
Reports of Sexual Violence and Abuse
Harrowing accounts from former hostages have revealed the rampant sexual violence in the Gaza tunnels where the Israelis are believed to be held. Aviva Siegel, a released captive, testified that female hostages were treated like “puppets” and subjected to inappropriate clothing and abuse. Eli Albag, the father of Liri Albag who was kidnapped by Hamas attackers, expressed concern about the possibility of sexual assault based on information from another released hostage.
The Israeli government is taking steps to address the complex challenges faced by pregnant former captives. By providing comprehensive support and resources, they aim to assist these women in making the best decisions for themselves and their unborn children.
