Abortion yes, abortion no, in Mexico

Abstract

A descriptive of the efforts to liberalize abortion law in Mexico are provided; in addition the political climate and the evolution of population policy are characterized. Current abortion law stipulates the legal abortion may be performed due to risk to a mothers life risk of congenital abnormality and the pregnancy as a result of rape. Feminist groups have been active since the formation in 1976 of the Coalition of Feminist Women (CFW) in working toward decriminalization of abortion. The issue of abortion was carefully researched in 1976 and a book on abortion was published. The First National Meeting for the Liberalization of Abortion was held in September 1976. A feminist journal devoted entirely to abortion issues was begun in January 1977. CFW began distribution of the pamphlet Voluntary Motherhood and the Right to Free Legal Abortion in October 1978. The National Front for the Struggle for the Liberation and Rights of Women was created in March 1979. Discussions meetings demonstrations and political lobbying were conducted through the years. The earthquakes in 1985 precipitated an intensification of the issues. Repression of the issues was also occurring. Security policy stormed an abortion clinic in March 1989. Conservative forces supported this action and asked for stricter enforcement. In this climate the state of Chiapas approved the decentralization of abortion for up to 90 days of pregnancy for family planning reasons. Within 2 weeks Pro Life forces exerted sufficient influence on the Congress to overturn the new legislative measure. Feminists believe that the abortion bill was part of a national government strategy to see the political effects if a policy change. A history of population policy reveals the pronatalist stance after the revolution and the gradual concern about providing resources for families to make informed choices about family planning. Contraceptive use was 53% in 1987; the availability of reproductive services has not changed the estimated 1 million abortions performed annually. The result is maternal mortality or complications which are not recognized politically. The results of the demographic survey in 1993 and national elections will play an important role in the future abortion debate. Decriminalization will not be achieved through recognition of the tight of women to voluntary motherhood or public health reasons.