Ukrainian woman to stand trial for ending pregnancy and testing positive for drugs in north Cyprus

Gönyeli, 16 July 2025 — A Ukrainian national who allegedly ended her three-week pregnancy by taking medication and was later found to have narcotics in her system will face trial in a north Cyprus court.

The woman identified as AA appeared before a court in Lefkoşa on charges of “illegal possession of narcotics” and “termination of pregnancy,” both stemming from an incident in Gönyeli.

According to the police, the accused sought medical attention at Lefkoşa State Hospital on 7 June 2025, complaining of abdominal pain. During her consultation, she informed doctors that she had ingested medication on 25 May to terminate a pregnancy that was approximately three weeks along at the time.

The medical examination confirmed a partial termination of pregnancy. On 13 June, two blood samples were taken and sent to the State Chemistry Laboratory for further testing.

Lab results obtained on 20 June revealed the presence of cocaine and cannabis derivatives in AA’s blood. Following this, a warrant for her arrest was issued by the Lefkoşa District Court on 9 July. She was formally taken into custody on 15 July.

Declaring that the investigation was complete, the police requested that the accused be released under appropriate bail conditions.

The judge ordered that AA be released pending trial under the following conditions: a travel ban, weekly police check-ins, a cash bail of 20,000 TL, and two guarantors signing surety bonds worth 400,000 TL each.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about unauthorized medical procedures and drug use, prompting authorities to remind the public of the legal consequences of such actions.