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 Editorials | Opinions | April 2007 
Choice and Safety for Mexican Women
 El Diario
| | Instead of investing in religious-based guilt and imposing on personal choice, Mexico and the rest of the world should focus on education and family planning. |
Mexico City is poised to take a big step to protect women. In an upcoming vote, the legislature there will decide on legalizing abortion for any reason during the first trimester of pregnancy. Current Mexican law allows abortion in cases of rape or where a pregnancy risks a woman`s life. The Catholic Church and conservatives oppose the legalization of abortion.
But the denial of choice creates dangerous conditions in Mexico. Because abortions are outlawed, many Mexican women resort to unsafe procedures, risking their health and lives. According to reports, more than 110,000 women a year seek illegal abortions in Mexico. Close to 100 women died from botched procedures last year. That number only reflects cases that were reported.
The backroom dangers largely affect poor women. Unlike wealthy Mexican women, they cannot afford to fly to other nations for a safe, legal procedure.
Mexico is not alone in this debate. In the United States, conservatives are attacking the reproductive rights of women and pushing for international funding strings that limit choices for poor families.
The proposed legislation in Mexico City, introduced by the Democratic Revolution Party, would not only protect a woman’s right to choose, but also give women access to safe clinics.
Conservatives, however, are pushing back: Mexico’s Green Party has called for increasing prison sentences for women who have abortions.
In Mexico and elsewhere, reproductive freedom should not be a political casualty. Choosing to continue or terminate a pregnancy is a personal choice, and legislation that cuts off options also cuts off democracy.
Instead of investing in religious-based guilt and imposing on personal choice, Mexico and the rest of the world should focus on education and family planning. |
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