What support will the 13 repatriated women receive?

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Support Services for Repatriated Women

The 13 repatriated Philippine women, who were involved in a surrogacy scheme in Cambodia, have been sent to a government shelter for trafficking victims in Manila. Ten of these women are still pregnant. The women were granted a royal pardon by His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, allowing their return to the Philippines.
Government Shelter for Trafficking Victims

Upon arrival in Manila, the 13 women and three of their babies were taken to a government shelter. This facility is designated for victims of trafficking, indicating that the state acknowledges the circumstances surrounding their situation. The Social Welfare Department is overseeing their placement in this shelter.
Legal and Societal Context of Surrogacy

Surrogacy is an outlawed practice in Cambodia, with violations punishable under Cambodian law. The women were convicted of attempted cross-border human trafficking by a Cambodian court, which found strong evidence of their intention to sell babies for money. In contrast, the Philippines has a legal grey area regarding surrogacy, as there is no specific law prohibiting or allowing the practice, which the Department of Social Welfare noted makes it prone to abuse.
Potential for Future Support

While the immediate support is their placement in a government shelter, the legal grey area surrounding surrogacy in the Philippines suggests a need for further consideration of their situation. The Cambodian court did not specify what would happen to the babies born as part of the surrogacy scheme. The Philippine government’s statement highlighted the ban in Cambodia and the lack of clear legislation in the Philippines, underscoring the complex challenges these women face.

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What support will the 13 repatriated women receive?

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