Doble Moral

In the Dominican Republic, abortion is illegal in ALL circumstances – but in fact, it's a very common practice. Through portraits and writing, I will share stories of abortions, told by Dominican women, putting their voices at the center of the narrative.

In the Dominican Republic, abortion is illegal under all circumstances. Women and healthcare professionals face imprisonment, with penalties of up to two years for women who induce abortions and up to 20 years for healthcare providers who perform them.

While laws such as “Roe v. Wade” have made headlines in the United States, the recent update to the Dominican Republic’s penal code reignites the debate: the “tres causales” are still not included. These three fundamental conditions (incest/rape, life of the mother in danger, non-viable fetus) typically justify abortion in most countries, but in the Dominican Republic, the debate remains highly polarized, overshadowed by a misogynistic Christianity and deeply rooted patriarchy.

Numerous exchanges with Dominican activists revealed that abortion is a very common practice despite the ban. My project, “Doble Moral,” aims to give a voice to Dominican women through their accounts of clandestine abortions, accompanied by empowering and supportive photographic portraits. I am also working on a series of performances on this theme, carried out in public spaces in the Dominican Republic.

In 2023 & 2024, with the support of Pro Helvetia, PlaySuisse, the CNAP and the city of Lausanne, I developed this project through 3 trips to the island and many interviews with Dominican women in different regions of the island.

In total, I have gathered 30 testimonies and produced as many portraits and self-portraits, sometimes anonymous, using mirrors or a remote trigger. I aimed to ensure that the women I met—of all ages and social classes—felt and appeared strong, while protecting their anonymity if necessary. I occasionally included myself in the portraits (though not always) as a gesture of solidarity, ensuring the relationship between the subject and photographer was horizontal.

Every participant was compensated, and all collaborators were women.

An immersive installation is planned for “Doble Moral,” bringing together photographs, textual narratives, and audio pieces. My project is a long-term commitment aimed at giving these women a voice and sparking reflection on a critical and little-known issue. Thank you for your support!