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Mexico Court Backs Liberal Abortion Law

Other states expected to follow Mexico City statute

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 29, 2008 8:21 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Mexico's Supreme Court has upheld Mexico City's liberal abortion law, saying that to do otherwise would be a "violation of the fundamental rights of women." Abortions in the capital city are legal for any reason during the first three months of pregnancy. Other Mexican states will likely liberalize their laws in the wake of the ruling, reports the Christian Science Monitor.

Mexico City’s law—one of the most liberal in Latin America—was passed in the spring. Since then, 12,000 women have obtained abortions in the city, with 20% of them traveling from outside the capital. Elsewhere in Mexico, abortions are usually allowed only in cases of rape or medical necessity. The leader of an anti-abortion group said the ruling creates a “culture of death.”

An anti-abortion activist lies down on the ground in a fetal position during a protest against the Supreme Court decision in Mexico City.
An anti-abortion activist lies down on the ground in a fetal position during a protest against the Supreme Court decision in Mexico City.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
A fetus doll and crosses placed by anti-abortion activists fill Mexico City's Zocalo square during a protest against the legalization of abortion.
A fetus doll and crosses placed by anti-abortion activists fill Mexico City's Zocalo square during a protest against the legalization of abortion.   (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)
Anti-abortion activists protest Mexico's Supreme Court decision to uphold the capital's abortion law, one of the most liberal in Latin America.
Anti-abortion activists protest Mexico's Supreme Court decision to uphold the capital's abortion law, one of the most liberal in Latin America.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
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Historic decision will affect rest of Latin America
Kansas City Star

Abortion rights upheld in Mexico City
Guardian (UK)

 
abortion • Mexico City • Mexico • El Salvador • Mexico Supreme Court • Justice Sergio Valls. • Catholics for the Right to Decide • Provida

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