newcritics

The other night, I had the privilege of going to a screening, “Rosita”, at NYU’s law school. This film depicts a violation of human rights, where to uphold the doctrine of the Catholic Church became more valuable than an existing life. The filmmakers Barbara Attie, and Janet Goldwater document the story of Rosa, a eight year old girl who, in 2003 was raped, and as a consequence became pregnant. At the time, Rosa’s pregnancy was well publicized throughout–the press nicknamed her Rosita. Her story became symbolic throughout Latin America.

Rosa’s assault occurred in Costa Rica, where her illiterate parents worked as illegal coffee pickers–campisinos. The film follows the plight of Rosa, and her parent’s arduous journey from Costa Rica to Nicaragua to obtain a therapeutic abortion, a termination of a pregnancy to preserve the mother’s life.

Rosa’s physical identity is protected throughout the film, only her voice is heard as she narrates the details of her confusion and frustration, while her drawings illustrate the fear. At one segment in the film, Rosa is in the hospital when she asks her mother what is a pregnancy, and where do babies come from. She begs her mother to make her not pregnant anymore. During this time, governmental agencies kept Rosa in the hospital for twenty or more days to ensure the life of the unborn child. Also, Rosa had a venereal disease, and was refused treatment. Instead the attending doctors agreed she would need to have a cesarean in order to protect the fetus from infection.

In the film, various interviews with medical professionals warn even if the child lives through the pregnancy, her bone growth, notably in the pelvis, could be severely compromised. Because of the heavy publicity surrounding the case, the Nicaraguan government found themselves under heavy scrutiny. The government stated a therapeutic abortion would be granted if sixteen doctors agree that Rosa’s life, as a result of the pregnancy is in danger. However, at the time, Nicaraguan law stated only three doctors were necessary for the decision. Bravely, these doctors approved an abortion was necessary to save the young girl’s life.

Janet Goldwater who was present at the screening said, in 2003, the rapist was believed to be an illegal migrant worker; however, Rosa’s father has since been accused of the attack, and is currently imprisoned. In addition, Goldwater talked about Rosa’s present life, and her family. Although she was not raped again, Rosa became pregnant again at age twelve, and kept the child.

The Sandinista government was re-elected, in 2006, and as a result has outlawed abortion completely. Janet Goldwater explained that recently a Nicaraguan woman died because of an ectopic pregnancy, which generally occurs outside the uterus. Today, in the United States abortion continues to be a political debate; many politicians remain silent for fear of losing votes. It was only in 1973 when the United States Supreme Court ruled that an abortion is a privacy act. Before that time, there were minimal laws to protect the rights of women seeking an abortion. This film is an important reminder, among many, to remain aware that the right to choose remains elusive.

If you would like to obtain more information on this film: attiegoldwater.com