Condemned Sudanese Woman Gives Birth in Prison

Meriam Ibrahim, the Sudanese woman condemned to die for refusing to renounce her Christian faith, has given birth to her daughter in prison.

Ibrahim’s husband, Daniel Wani was not permitted to be present for the birth. The baby arrived one month premature The Guardian reports.

Ibrahim, 27, grew up as a Christian, though her father was Muslim. Ibrahim’s father left the family when she was six years old. Sudan law still considers Ibrahim a Muslim by association. Therefore, Ibrahim’s marriage to American Christian Wani is considered apostasy.

Wani is actively working with lawyers to appeal the court’s ruling.

“The Sudanese government must guarantee her safety and the safety of her children, including the newborn baby,” said Amnesty International spokesperson Manar Idriss.

“I don’t know what to do. I’m just praying,” Wani told CNN.

Sudanese officials have said that Ibrahim’s death sentence will not be carried out for two years, so her daughter may be weaned.

Publication date: May 27, 2014