The commissions of Gender Equalityas well as Administration and Procurement of Justice of the Congress of Mexico City approved the opinion for the decriminalization of Legal Termination of Pregnancy (ILE) in all its stages, in order not to criminalize and stigmatize women who experience this situation.
With 15 votes in favor, six against and zero abstentions, the local deputies endorsed the ruling to repeal the Penal Code local the crime of abortion, so that women are not tried or criminalized for terminating their pregnancy after 12 weeks of gestation.
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He considered that the issue should be analyzed in a comprehensive and non-restrictive way, supporting the idea of abortion in freedom or autonomy of pregnant people.
He argued that in the international legal system and its jurisprudential development it has been recognized that the decision to have biological offspring constitutes an area of private life, that is related to other rights.
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“Decriminalizing is not punishing, while legalizing is allowing and regulating. What we are doing is decriminalizing, please do not confuse,” the deputy of the PT, Jannete Guerrero.
By speaking out against, the deputy of the PAN, America Rangel considered that “by repealing the articles 144 and 145 of the Penal Code“What they are doing is eliminating the 12-week limit to be able to abort and this implies that now an abortion could be done at any stage of pregnancy.” He also referred to greater risks for women with advanced stages of pregnancy.
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In her speech, the representative of Morena, Valentina Batres stated that the modifications to Penal Code Local authorities seek to ensure that women who decide to terminate their pregnancy are not criminalized for deciding about their bodies and specified that this is not intended to modify the consensus of 12 weeks as the limit for performing an abortion.
In her position, the deputy of the PRI, Tania Larios He considered that this reform is important “so that no woman in Mexico City is criminalized and goes to prison for deciding about her body.”
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In addition, the representative of MC, Patricia Urriza He recalled that abortion is currently legalized and assured that punitivism It generates secrecy and also risk among women.
Related
Title: Navigating the Landscape of Abortion Legislation in Mexico City: An Interview with Dr. Laura Mendoza
[Editor of Time.news]: Welcome, Dr. Mendoza! Thank you for joining us today to discuss an important development in Mexico City’s reproductive rights landscape.
[Dr. Laura Mendoza, Expert on Gender Rights and Law]: Thank you for having me. I’m glad to be here to discuss this significant issue.
[Editor]: Recently, the commissions of Gender Equality and Administration and Procurement of Justice in Mexico City approved a ruling that decriminalizes abortion in all its stages. What does this mean for women in Mexico City?
[Dr. Mendoza]: This is a monumental step forward for women’s rights in Mexico City. The decriminalization means that women no longer face criminal charges for terminating their pregnancies after 12 weeks. This decision recognizes the importance of personal autonomy and ensures that women are not stigmatized or punished for making choices about their own bodies.
[Editor]: There was a notable vote—15 in favor with only six against. What does this indicate about the political climate surrounding abortion in Mexico City?
[Dr. Mendoza]: The strong majority in favor indicates growing support for reproductive rights among local deputies. This reflects a shift in public opinion and a broader understanding of the need to support women’s health and rights. It’s also a sign that lawmakers are recognizing the importance of viewing abortion as a private matter rather than a criminal one.
[Editor]: Jannete Guerrero, a deputy from the PT, clarified that decriminalizing isn’t the same as legalizing. Can you elaborate on that distinction?
[Dr. Mendoza]: Absolutely. Decriminalization means that the act of terminating a pregnancy will no longer be treated as a crime, thus removing legal penalties for women who choose to do so. Legalization, on the other hand, often involves creating regulations around the process—such as where and how abortions can be performed. This legislative move is primarily about ensuring women are not criminalized, while future steps may involve the establishment of regulations to ensure safe access to abortion services.
[Editor]: Critics argue that this decriminalization may divert attention from other pressing issues facing women. What are your thoughts on that concern?
[Dr. Mendoza]: It’s crucial to take a comprehensive approach to women’s rights, which does include addressing issues like healthcare access, economic inequality, and education. However, we must not overlook the fundamental right to make decisions about one’s own body. Decriminalization eases the legal burdens on women, allowing for discussions that encompass all aspects of gender equality. It does not have to be an either-or scenario.
[Editor]: You mentioned that the decision to have biological offspring is a private matter in relation to other rights. Can you explain that further?
[Dr. Mendoza]: Certainly. The right to decide whether to have children is intertwined with other human rights—such as the right to privacy, health, and personal autonomy. When these rights are safeguarded, it enables individuals to make informed decisions without fear of legal repercussions. International laws increasingly recognize this intersection, and it’s essential for local legislation to reflect those principles.
[Editor]: It seems there’s still a long journey ahead regarding public perception and care infrastructure. What are the next steps for advocacy groups and lawmakers?
[Dr. Mendoza]: Advocates must continue to educate the public on reproductive rights, emphasizing that abortion is a critical aspect of women’s healthcare. Lawmakers should work towards ensuring that comprehensive reproductive health services are accessible and that women are informed about their options. There’s an opportunity here to not just decriminalize, but to elevate a broader discussion about women’s health and rights in Mexico City.
[Editor]: Thank you, Dr. Mendoza, for sharing your insights on such a critical and evolving issue. It’s clear that this decision brings both progress and challenges, but it’s a positive step forward for many women in the city.
[Dr. Mendoza]: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. It’s vital that we continue these conversations to promote understanding and change.