Tepic, Nayarit – On January 24, 2025, Nayarit made a significant step forward in reproductive rights by decriminalizing abortion within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Following a 17-12 vote in the state Congress, the reform aligns with a federal court ruling emphasizing women’s autonomy over their bodies and healthcare decisions.
The legislation modifies the state’s Penal Code, removing criminal penalties for women who choose to terminate their pregnancies within the first trimester. The reform also strengthens penalties for those who perform abortions without a woman’s consent, while providing legal protection for medical professionals conducting safe and lawful abortion procedures.
After 12 weeks of gestation, the law establishes a prison sentence of 3 to 6 months and a fine for individuals who voluntarily seek or consent to an abortion.
This decision follows the Supreme Court of Justice’s precedent declaring the absolute prohibition of abortion unconstitutional, recognizing the violation of fundamental rights such as health, equality, and personal autonomy.
With this reform, Nayarit joins 19 other Mexican states, including Mexico City, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Hidalgo, Baja California, Colima, Guerrero, Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo, Aguascalientes, Sinaloa, Jalisco, Sinaloa, Puebla, Michoacán, Zacatecas, Estado de México, Chiapas and Coahuila, in supporting this progressive stance.
Mexico City first pioneered abortion decriminalization in 2007, setting a precedent that has since inspired legislative changes nationwide. Nayarit’s decision reflects growing recognition of reproductive rights across the country, marking another step toward equality and autonomy for women and pregnant individuals.
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