Abortion kills coed

Police are set to file homicide charges against three women for the death of a computer science graduate, who died shortly after undergoing an abortion in Sta. Mesa, Manila last Tuesday.

To be held liable for the death of Mary Joan Nobleza, 23, were abortionist Brigida Boleza, 56, of Sta. Mesa; Leonila Abuel, 42, a tanod of Barangay 855, District 6; and the victim’s aunt Susan Nobleza, 39, of Pandacan, according SPO3 Alfredo Salazar.

Salazar said an autopsy revealed that Nobleza’s ovary was punctured, causing profuse bleeding that eventually led to her death.

"The victim’s ovary was accidentally pricked with a surgical instrument," he said.

Police are also coordinating with hospital officials to determine why the victim’s mouth and eyes were covered with masking tape during the procedure.

Investigation showed the victim, who was two months pregnant, went to Boleza to have her baby aborted. She was accompanied by her aunt and Abuel last Monday.

Police said Boleza instructed the aunt and Abuel to leave and let the patient stay overnight, so the procedure could begin early the next day.

Shortly after procedure, Nobleza began to bleed profusely and appeared pale and motionless, prompting Boleza to rush the girl to the Ospital ng Sampaloc. Doctors, however, failed to revive the victim, who died at 3 p.m.

Hospital personnel reported the incident to the lawmen, who raided the clandestine clinic and arrested the three women,.

Investigators seized surgical equipment during a search of the second floor of her house. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Nestor Etolle