A milestone with outstanding debts: 18 years of Legal Interruption of Pregnancy
Mexico City commemorates almost two decades of the implementation of Legal Interruption of Pregnancy (LEI), a pioneering model in Latin America that has served as a reference for public policies on reproductive health. However, this anniversary comes accompanied by a unanimous demand among civil organizations and specialists: the urgency of eliminating abortion from the Penal Code at the national level to avoid the criminalization of women and medical personnel.
Evidence vs. Stigma: the arguments in favor of decriminalization
According to data collected by IPAS and the Information Group on Elected Reproduction (GIRE), the ILE in the capital has attended more than 280,000 cases since 2007, with a safety rate of 99.8%. Marisol Escudero, expert in legal strategy, emphasizes: “The evidence shows that it is an effective policy: it reduces maternal deaths and does not increase the abortion rate, as myths maintain.” Despite this, 20 states still criminalize interruption after 12 weeks, even in cases of rape.
The analysis of Francisco Cué (GIRE) reveals a parallel phenomenon: the “inhibiting effect” of restrictive laws. “Fear of legal reprisals delays medical care in obstetric emergencies, increasing risks,” he explains. Studies cite that 37% of maternal deaths in criminalizing environments are linked to complications from unsafe abortions.
Legislative stagnation: between compromises and delays
The initiative to decriminalize abortion at the federal level, approved in committees on November 4, 2023, remains stalled. Promises of information forums have not materialized, while groups denounce pressure from conservative groups. A Congressional report indicates that 68% of Mexican women live in states with restrictive access, perpetuating health inequalities.
Given this panorama, the organizations propose a regulatory framework based on three pillars:
- Public health: standardized protocols and medical training.
- Human rights: eliminate judicial obstacles for victims of sexual violence.
- Education: prevention programs with a gender perspective.
What’s next? Social pressure and strategic litigation (such as the cases won by GIRE before the SCJN) are key avenues. The experience of CDMX proves that decriminalization is not only viable, but necessary to reduce maternal mortality and guarantee bodily autonomy.
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