In January 2003, news spread throughout Central and South America that a 9-year-old Nicaraguan girl had become pregnant as the result of a rape. Rosa, or Rosita as the girl became known in the press, was the only child of illiterate campesinos working in Costa Rica as coffee pickers at the time of the assault. Fearing for their daughter's life and mental health, Rosa's parents became determined to obtain an abortion for their child.

In both Nicaragua and Costa Rica, abortion is illegal except when deemed necessary to save the life of the mother. Despite the odds of obtaining a rarely granted exception for a so-called "therapeutic" abortion, Rosa's parents move forward only to be forced into battle with two governments, the medical establishment and the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.

Throughout Rosita, the child's view of her world is depicted through her art — bold paintings and detailed crayon drawings. Using animation, Rosa's drawings are brought to life.

LEARN MORE:

www.Ipas.org
Women's e-news
Red Feminista
Catholics for a Free Choice
Choice Link Up: The pro-choice webring
Visit the Rosita website at Attie & Goldwater Productions