Abortion had been legalized in 12 Mexican states before the court’s sweeping decision.
In a landmark ruling on Wednesday, Mexico’s Supreme Court decriminalized abortion nationwide, marking a significant victory for women’s rights and feminist organizations across the country. This decision comes after years of advocacy, protests, and legal battles led by activists pushing for reproductive rights. Prior to this ruling, abortion had already been legalized in 12 Mexican states, with Mexico City being the first to decriminalize the procedure 15 years ago.
The court’s ruling declared that the sections of the Federal Criminal Code penalizing abortion were unconstitutional, as they violated the human rights of women and people who can become pregnant. This decision has far-reaching implications, as it mandates that judges in states where abortion is still criminalized must align their rulings with the Supreme Court’s decision.
In Aguascalientes, a state in central Mexico, abortion was recently decriminalized, making it the 12th state to take that step. However, with this ruling, abortion is now decriminalized across the entire country. The court’s decision is hailed as a crucial advancement for reproductive rights, as it guarantees the right to abortion as a fundamental human right for women and those who can become pregnant.
The ruling also represents a broader shift in Mexican society, where growing support for women’s rights has led to increased legal reforms. The decision was celebrated by feminist groups, who have long fought for safer and more accessible abortion services, especially in areas where conservative views on the issue have prevailed.
While this decision is a huge step forward for reproductive rights, it is expected to face challenges, particularly in states where conservative and religious opposition to abortion remains strong. Despite this, the Supreme Court’s ruling has set a powerful precedent for the rest of the country and could serve as a catalyst for further progress on women’s rights in Mexico.
Mexico’s Supreme Court has been a crucial player in recent years in expanding rights for marginalized groups, with this decision representing one of its most significant rulings. The country’s progress on abortion rights comes amid a global conversation about reproductive freedom, with many other nations looking to Mexico’s example.
As the country moves forward, the full implementation of this decision will require continued efforts to ensure that women across all regions of Mexico can access abortion services without fear of criminal prosecution. The court’s ruling has sparked hope for many advocates, who see it as a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality and bodily autonomy in Mexico.