Mexico Supreme Court Ratifies Abortion Rights on Federal Level

Mexico's Supreme Court has taken a significant step in the direction of abortion rights by ruling that all federal criminal penalties for abortion are unconstitutional and violate women's rights, AP reports.

This decision, which removes abortion from the federal penal code, means that federal health institutions, including the public health service, must offer abortion services to anyone who requests them.

The ruling decriminalizes abortion at the federal level in Mexico and ensures that neither women nor healthcare workers can be punished for seeking or providing abortion services.

However, it is worth noting that around 20 Mexican states still criminalize abortion, and legal changes will be needed to fully align with the Supreme Court's decision.

This landmark decision is part of a broader trend in Latin America toward expanding abortion access and recognizing women's reproductive rights.

It has been celebrated by women's rights advocates and organizations, representing a significant step toward gender equality and reproductive justice in Mexico.

Mexico Supreme Court Decision Comes Following GIRE's Legal Appeal

The Information Group for Chosen Reproduction (GIRE) played a pivotal role in advocating for reproductive rights in Mexico, and their legal appeal led to this groundbreaking ruling, per Al Jazeera.

The celebration of this decision on social media, marked by green hearts and hashtags like #SeptiembreVerde (Green September), underscores the significance of this moment for the abortion rights movement in Latin America.

Mexico's previous abortion laws were inconsistent and often restrictive, with varying regulations across different states.

Mexico City's federal district became the first to legalize abortions up to 12 weeks of pregnancy in 2007.

Since then, other states have joined, with Aguascalientes on August 30 becoming the 12th region to decriminalize abortion, following places like Oaxaca, Baja California, and Veracruz.

The Supreme Court's decision to remove federal criminal penalties for abortion is a significant step towards a more consistent and progressive approach to reproductive rights nationwide.

The fact that more states have been decriminalizing abortion in recent years shows a growing awareness and support for women's reproductive rights in Mexico.

With this ruling, women and individuals who can become pregnant will have better access to safe and legal abortion services across the country, marking a huge milestone in the fight for reproductive justice in Mexico.

Abortion Rights Endorsement Might Anger Mexico's Conservative Politicians

While Mexico's decision to decriminalize abortion is significant, the country's more conservative politicians and the Catholic Church may express opposition to this move, according to BBC.

However, it's worth noting that the Church's influence in Mexico has declined, and the Mexican government identifies itself as secular.

The legality of abortion in Latin America varies from country to country.

Some nations, like Colombia, Cuba, Uruguay, and Argentina, have legalized elective abortion, while others allow it in particular circumstances, such as rape or health risks.

Outright bans on abortion persist in countries like El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.

These developments in Latin America stand in contrast to the United States, where abortion rights have faced significant challenges, including the Supreme Court's ruling that allows states to restrict access to abortion, overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Protesters, police face off at protest for legalized abortion in Mexico - From Gobal News