After the controversy surrounding the case of Esmeraldathe vice-coordinator of the Labor Party (PT) in the capital congress, Miriam Saldañacalled to decriminalize abortion in Queretaro.
“Decriminalizing abortion in Querétaro is the first step to pave the way for new legal systems that guarantee the physical, psychological and emotional integrity of pregnant women,” he assured.
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In an ordinary session, the PT member urged the Querétaro legislature to approve the necessary reforms to the State Penal Code to decriminalize abortion in said entity. “The decriminalization of abortion is essential to guarantee the human rights of women. The ability to decide about one’s own body is a basic right that must be protected; denying it is a form of structural violence that perpetuates gender inequality,” he mentioned.
In this regard, she warned that the criminalization of abortion disproportionately affects low-income women, because while there are those who can afford a trip to another city to terminate a pregnancy safely, others, in a vulnerable situation, may be involved in a criminal case or forced to resort to unsafe methods.
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In this sense, the legislator referred to the case of Esmeralda, a minor who was involved in a criminal complaint for a spontaneous abortion, a case for which Prosecutor’s Office The State initially requested a three-year sentence and a payment of five hundred thousand pesos for his attacker.
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Interview Transcript: Time.news Interview with Miriam Saldaña, Labor Party (PT) Vice-Coordinator in Queretaro
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, Miriam. Thank you for joining us today. The recent controversy surrounding Esmeralda’s case has ignited intense discussions on the decriminalization of abortion in Queretaro. What motivated you to advocate for this change?
Miriam Saldaña: Thank you for having me. The situation with Esmeralda highlighted the urgent need for reform in our legal system regarding abortion. It’s not just a matter of legality; it’s about protecting the rights and well-being of women. Decriminalizing abortion is essential to safeguard their physical, psychological, and emotional integrity.
Editor: That’s a powerful statement. Many people see abortion purely from a moral or ethical perspective. How do you respond to those who oppose decriminalization on moral grounds?
Saldaña: I understand that it’s a deeply personal issue for many. However, we must prioritize women’s health and autonomy. Criminalizing abortion does not eliminate the need or desire for it; it only pushes women towards unsafe methods. Our goal is to create a legal framework that supports women and respects their choices.
Editor: You mentioned creating a legal system that ensures integrity for pregnant women. What specific changes are you proposing in Queretaro to achieve this?
Saldaña: We propose implementing a law that not only decriminalizes abortion but also includes comprehensive healthcare services for women. This includes access to counseling, prenatal care, and post-abortion services. It’s about creating an environment where women can make informed decisions without fear of prosecution.
Editor: There are various stakeholders in this debate, including religious groups and political factions. How do you plan to garner support from those who might be resistant to these changes?
Saldaña: Dialogue is key. We need to engage with those who hold different views and listen to their concerns without dismissing them. I believe that through education and open conversation about the health implications and the realities women face, we can create common ground. Everyone deserves to have their voice heard, and we should work towards solutions that respect differing beliefs while prioritizing women’s health.
Editor: That’s a thoughtful approach. What has been the response within the Labor Party regarding this initiative? Is there a consensus among party members?
Saldaña: The Labor Party is broadly supportive of initiatives that protect women’s rights. However, as with any political movement, there are varying levels of agreement. Our goal is to unify our members around the shared vision of safeguarding women’s health and rights, which ultimately strengthens our society.
Editor: As a final question, what do you envision for the future of abortion rights in Queretaro and potentially across Mexico?
Saldaña: I’m optimistic. Decriminalizing abortion in Queretaro could be a crucial step that inspires similar movements in other states. We must not only focus on legislation but also on changing societal attitudes towards women’s health and rights. I hope to see a Mexico where women feel empowered and supported in their decisions, free from stigma and legal repercussions.
Editor: Thank you, Miriam, for sharing your insights. This is a complex and important issue, and we appreciate your commitment to advocating for women’s rights in Queretaro.
Saldaña: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital matter. It’s conversations like these that can help foster change.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Until next time, stay informed and engaged.