Mexico's Puebla State Legalizes Abortion Up to 12 Weeks
Landmark Vote Marks Shift in Conservative Region
Mexico's Congress of the State of Puebla voted on Monday, July 15, 2024, to decriminalize abortion up to 12 weeks of gestation.
The vote, which passed the lower house by a majority, represents a significant shift for the state, which has been considered one of the most conservative in Mexico. It follows similar moves in other parts of the country, including Mexico City and the states of Oaxaca and Veracruz.
The new law, which still requires the governor's signature to become official, would allow women to terminate pregnancies without facing criminal charges during the first 12 weeks. It also establishes that abortions must be performed by a licensed healthcare professional in a safe and legal setting.
The vote was met with mixed reactions. Pro-choice advocates hailed it as a historic victory for women's rights, while anti-abortion groups vowed to challenge it in court.
The decision to legalize abortion in Puebla is part of a broader trend towards liberalization of abortion laws in Mexico. In recent years, several states have passed laws expanding access to abortion services, and the Supreme Court has ruled that criminalizing abortion is unconstitutional.
Despite the progress, access to abortion services in Mexico remains uneven. In many rural areas, women still face significant barriers to obtaining a safe and legal abortion.
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