Chile takes ‘first step’ towards decriminalising abortion
3 years, 3 months ago

Chile takes ‘first step’ towards decriminalising abortion

Al Jazeera  

Proposed bill to legalise abortion up to 14 weeks hailed by Chilean legislator as ‘tremendous’ step for women’s rights. Chile’s lower house of Congress has approved a plan to debate a bill that would expand women’s access to legal abortions, a “first step” that could see the country join a small but growing list of Latin American countries that are easing restrictions on the procedure. “This is a first step and we are not going to stop fighting until abortion is legal, free and safe for all women in Chile.” Chile lifted its outright ban on abortions in 2017, legalising it in cases in which a woman’s life is in danger, when a fetus is unviable, or when the pregnancy resulted from rape. Monica Zalaquett, the minister of women’s affairs, said on Tuesday that the “government will always protect life, from its conception” and that “no woman in Chile is serving” jail time for having an abortion. Holding up banners saying “it’s our right to decide” and “legal abortion, safe and free”, the mostly-women protesters met as part of the “International Safe Abortion Day” being marked around the globe.

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History of this topic

What does a total abortion ban look like in Dominican Republic?
1 year ago

What does a total abortion ban look like in Dominican Republic?

Associated Press  

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — The Dominican Republic is one of four Latin American nations that criminalizes abortion without exceptions. Abortion rights activists argue that the country’s total abortion ban not only restricts women’s reproductive choices but also puts their lives in danger. The country’s motto is “God, Country, Freedom,” and the government holds a concordat, or agreement, with the …

What does a total abortion ban look like in Dominican Republic?
1 year ago

What does a total abortion ban look like in Dominican Republic?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Abortion rights activists argue that the country’s total abortion …

Thousands of women march in Latin American cities calling for abortion rights
1 year, 3 months ago

Thousands of women march in Latin American cities calling for abortion rights

Associated Press  

MEXICO CITY — The streets of cities across Latin America were bathed in green Thursday as tens of thousands of women marched to commemorate International Safe Abortion Day. Green smoke floated over a roaring crowd of thousands of women in Mexico City who waved green handkerchiefs, which have become the symbol of Latin America’s “green wave” abortion movement. The march …

Thousands of women march in Latin American cities calling for abortion rights
1 year, 3 months ago

Thousands of women march in Latin American cities calling for abortion rights

LA Times  

The streets of cities across Latin America were bathed in green Thursday as tens of thousands of women marched to commemorate International Safe Abortion Day. Green smoke floated over a roaring crowd of thousands of women in Mexico City who waved green handkerchiefs, which have become the symbol of Latin America’s “green wave” abortion movement. World & Nation Mexico’s Supreme …

Brazil’s top court opens vote on decriminalizing abortion up to 12th week of pregnancy
1 year, 3 months ago

Brazil’s top court opens vote on decriminalizing abortion up to 12th week of pregnancy

Associated Press  

SAO PAULO — Brazil’s top court opened a session Friday that will decide whether abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy will be decriminalized nationwide. The Supreme Court’s Chief Justice Rosa Weber put the issue forward in an online session Friday and cast her vote in favor of the action. Weber said in her decision that Brazil’s standing on …

Latin America women's rights groups say their abortion win in Mexico may hold the key to US struggle
1 year, 4 months ago

Latin America women's rights groups say their abortion win in Mexico may hold the key to US struggle

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Women's rights activists in Latin …

Mexico decriminalizes abortion, extending Latin American trend of widening access to procedure
1 year, 4 months ago

Mexico decriminalizes abortion, extending Latin American trend of widening access to procedure

Associated Press  

MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s Supreme Court threw out all federal criminal penalties for abortion Wednesday, ruling that national laws prohibiting the procedure are unconstitutional and violate women’s rights in a sweeping decision that extended Latin American’s trend of widening abortion access. After 40 years, the Supreme Court reversed its abortion decision, and we’re not going to stop until Mexico guarantees …

Mexico’s Supreme Court decriminalizes abortion nationwide
1 year, 4 months ago

Mexico’s Supreme Court decriminalizes abortion nationwide

LA Times  

A woman holds a banner that says “Legal, safe, and free abortion” as abortion rights protesters demonstrate in front of Congress in 2020. Mexico’s Supreme Court decriminalized abortion nationwide Wednesday, two years after ruling that abortion was not a crime in one northern state. Wednesday’s sweeping court decision comes amid a trend in Latin America of loosening restrictions on abortion, …

Inter-American Court of Human Rights to hear abortion rights case for the first time
1 year, 9 months ago

Inter-American Court of Human Rights to hear abortion rights case for the first time

Firstpost  

El Salvador will be in the dock before the Costa Rica-based IACHR for alleged human rights violations and ’torture’ for forcing a woman identified only as ‘Beatriz’ to carry a non-viable fetus for nearly three months despite a risk to her health San José, Costa Rica: For the first time in its history, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights will …

Like US, Mexico faces a state-by-state divide over abortion
2 years, 2 months ago

Like US, Mexico faces a state-by-state divide over abortion

Associated Press  

OAXACA, Mexico — Differences over abortion have pitted one large batch of U.S. states against another — one group imposing sweeping bans, the other intent on preserving access to abortion. “There were others who said: No, we are not going to kill babies.” Across Mexico’s abortion landscape, an important role is played by networks of “acompañantes,” or companions. “I honor …

Like US, Mexico faces a state-by-state divide over abortion
2 years, 2 months ago

Like US, Mexico faces a state-by-state divide over abortion

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “There were others who said: No, we are not …

Like US, Mexico faces a state-by-state divide over abortion
2 years, 2 months ago

Like US, Mexico faces a state-by-state divide over abortion

India TV News  

Differences over abortion have pitted one large batch of US states against another — one group imposing sweeping bans, the other intent on preserving access to abortion. “Many times, they say that those of us who are in favour of life are outdated, but the law arose to protect the family.” In 2019, Oaxaca was among the earliest states to …

Op-Ed: Abortion ban ‘exceptions’ cannot protect life
2 years, 6 months ago

Op-Ed: Abortion ban ‘exceptions’ cannot protect life

LA Times  

Dr. Blair Cushing, left, consults with a patient who will have a medication abortion at Whole Woman’s Health of McAllen in Texas, where lawmakers are seeking to ban abortion. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade has already set into motion legal processes to criminalize abortion in at least 15 states, with immediate and catastrophic health consequences for …

Latin America can now lead the way on abortion rights
2 years, 6 months ago

Latin America can now lead the way on abortion rights

Al Jazeera  

After the overturning of Roe v Wade in the United States, Argentina’s Green Wave may serve as a blueprint for feminist and trans-feminist movements across the world. While in the second half of the 20th century the global North was at the forefront of abortion law reform, with the US among its leading exponents, today it is feminist and trans-feminist …

Latin American activists undeterred despite US abortion rollback
2 years, 6 months ago

Latin American activists undeterred despite US abortion rollback

Al Jazeera  

Women’s rights advocates across Americas region say their struggle goes on after top US court overturns Roe v Wade. So when the United States Supreme Court decision that upended the right to an abortion in the country became official last week, the blow was personal across North and South America. “Now they have really left things in our hands – …

Salvadoran women jailed for abortion warn US of total ban
2 years, 7 months ago

Salvadoran women jailed for abortion warn US of total ban

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “We lose our rights.” Abortion rights activists say the …

Salvadoran women jailed for abortion warn US of total ban
2 years, 7 months ago

Salvadoran women jailed for abortion warn US of total ban

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. It’s violence against us.” Abortion rights activists say the …

Abortion laws in Colombia are now among the most liberal in the Americas
2 years, 8 months ago

Abortion laws in Colombia are now among the most liberal in the Americas

NPR  

Abortion laws in Colombia are now among the most liberal in the Americas Enlarge this image toggle caption Chepa Beltran/Long Visual Press/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Chepa Beltran/Long Visual Press/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Editor's note: This story was updated on July 13, 2022. "Colombia now is the country with the most progressive abortion laws in Latin America …

El Salvador woman jailed following obstetric emergency: NGO
2 years, 8 months ago

El Salvador woman jailed following obstetric emergency: NGO

Al Jazeera  

The woman was given a 30-year sentence for homicide over the death of an unborn child. A woman in El Salvador has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the death of her unborn child following an obstetric emergency, according to a rights group. The Citizen Group for the Decriminalization of Abortion said on Monday that the 28-year-old woman, …

As U.S. Poised To Restrict Abortion, Other Nations Ease Access
2 years, 8 months ago

As U.S. Poised To Restrict Abortion, Other Nations Ease Access

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING BOGOTA, Colombia — As women in the United States find themselves on the verge of possibly losing the constitutional right to abortion, courts in many other parts of the world have been moving in the opposite direction. Natacha Pisarenko via AP “It is an awful precedent for the coming years for the region and the world,” said …

As US poised to restrict abortion, other nations ease access
2 years, 8 months ago

As US poised to restrict abortion, other nations ease access

India TV News  

Highlights Ruling on abortion in US is discouraging sign and a reminder that hard-won gains can be impermanent Mexico's Supreme Court held last year that it was unconstitutional to punish abortion Most European countries have legalized abortion, including predominantly Catholic ones Abortion news: As women in the United States find themselves on the verge of possibly losing the constitutional right …

With US poised to restrict abortion, other countries ease access
2 years, 8 months ago

With US poised to restrict abortion, other countries ease access

Al Jazeera  

While US Supreme Court may overturn landmark abortion rights ruling, courts in other nations are moving to do the opposite. In February, Colombia’s Constitutional Court legalised abortion until the 24th week of pregnancy, part of a broader trend seen in parts of heavily Catholic Latin America. “It is an awful precedent for the coming years for the region and the …

Abortion access still difficult after historic Mexico ruling
2 years, 10 months ago

Abortion access still difficult after historic Mexico ruling

Associated Press  

MEXICO CITY — Six months after Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled that criminalizing abortion was unconstitutional, a hospital in the southern state of Guerrero refused to perform an abortion on a 9-year-old rape victim. He said the state’s health secretary “committed a murder.” Rangel Mendoza noted “sociocultural circumstances” that lead to sexual abuse within families. Most of the time cases never …

Explained: Why Colombia’s abortion law is a historic moment for women in Latin America and where do other countries stand
2 years, 10 months ago

Explained: Why Colombia’s abortion law is a historic moment for women in Latin America and where do other countries stand

Firstpost  

Colombia’s constitutional court decriminalised abortions within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, making it the fifth country in the region to make the practice more accessible and safer “We celebrate this ruling as a historic victory for the women’s movement in Colombia that has fought for decades for the recognition of their rights.” Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International, …

Colombia decriminalises abortion following regional ‘green wave’
2 years, 10 months ago

Colombia decriminalises abortion following regional ‘green wave’

Al Jazeera  

Following a trend across Latin America, Colombia decriminalises abortion – making it legal up to 24 weeks. “There’s not a single woman in Colombia who doesn’t know someone who has had to get a clandestine abortion,” said 29-year-old Marisol Rivera, who stood outside the court building Monday with a green handkerchief symbolising the pro-abortion rights movement. “But little-by-little, we’re changing …

Colombia’s highest court legalizes abortion up to 24 weeks
2 years, 10 months ago

Colombia’s highest court legalizes abortion up to 24 weeks

India TV News  

Highlights Pro-choice groups had been pushing for abortion to be completely decriminalized in Colombia Earlier, Colombia allowed abortions only when a woman’s life was in danger Earlier law allowed abortion only if a fetus had malformations or a pregnancy resulted from rape Colombia became the latest country in Latin America to expand access to abortion Monday as the nation’s Constitutional …

Colombia's highest court legalizes abortion up to 24 weeks
2 years, 10 months ago

Colombia's highest court legalizes abortion up to 24 weeks

NPR  

Colombia's highest court legalizes abortion up to 24 weeks Enlarge this image toggle caption Fernando Vergara/AP Fernando Vergara/AP BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia became the latest country in Latin America to expand access to abortion Monday as the nation's Constitutional Court voted to legalize the procedure until the 24th week of pregnancy. But it was nevertheless described as a historic event …

Argentina: Shadows over abortion a year after legalization
3 years ago

Argentina: Shadows over abortion a year after legalization

Associated Press  

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Every week of late, more than 20 women with unwanted pregnancies come to Dr. Miranda Ruiz, one of the few physicians who perform free abortions in northern Argentina’s Salta province — many under a year-old law that legalized elective abortion to the 14th week of gestation. “There are spaces where abortion is guaranteed,” but in others …

Abortion ban: El Salvador frees women jailed after miscarriages
3 years ago

Abortion ban: El Salvador frees women jailed after miscarriages

Al Jazeera  

The women had been jailed for terms ranging from six to 13 years under some of the region’s harshest anti-abortion laws. Authorities in El Salvador have freed three women who spent between six and 13 years in jail under the country’s harsh anti-abortion laws after suffering miscarriages, a rights group has reported. The women had lost their fetuses due to …

Chile: Congress takes step toward abortion decriminalization
3 years, 3 months ago

Chile: Congress takes step toward abortion decriminalization

Associated Press  

SANTIAGO, Chile — The lower house of Chile’s Congress took a step toward decriminalizing abortion in most cases Tuesday, voting to craft a law barring prosecution of women who get abortions in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. Decriminalization of abortion in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy would protect women from seeking the procedure in possibly unsafe conditions, said …

Protesters demand abortion rights across Latin America
3 years, 3 months ago

Protesters demand abortion rights across Latin America

Al Jazeera  

Thousands of women joined demonstrations across Latin America to demand abortion rights in their countries, marking the Global Day of Action for access to legal, safe and free abortion. Large groups of demonstrators gathered in the Chilean capital Santiago, where the Congress has agreed to hold future debates on an abortion rights law. Dozens gathered outside Peru’s Palace of Justice, …

Mexico’s abortion ruling could make waves beyond its borders
3 years, 4 months ago

Mexico’s abortion ruling could make waves beyond its borders

CNN  

Mexico City CNN — The ground literally shook on the day the Mexican Supreme Court decriminalized abortion: On September 7, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Mexican Pacific coast, rocking several states and killing one person. One women’s right leader consulted by CNN says the unanimous ruling, which found penalizing abortion to be unconstitutional, could make Mexico a destination for …

Across Latin America, abortion restrictions are being loosened
3 years, 4 months ago

Across Latin America, abortion restrictions are being loosened

LA Times  

Thousands of pro-choice activists, including feminist groups from the U.S. and Chile, wave their iconic green handkerchiefs outside Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Feb. 19, 2020. A historic ruling by Mexico’s Supreme Court last week is the latest in a series of victories for abortion rights advocates in Latin America, a largely Roman Catholic region that has long had …

Mexico Supreme Court says criminalising abortion unconstitutional
3 years, 4 months ago

Mexico Supreme Court says criminalising abortion unconstitutional

Al Jazeera  

‘This is a historic step,’ Supreme Court justice says of ruling hailed as a major victory for women’s rights. Mexico’s Supreme Court has ruled that it is unconstitutional to penalise abortion, a major victory for women’s health and reproductive rights that comes amid a “green wave” of abortion decriminalisation in Latin America. The Mexican court’s decision on Tuesday follows moves …

Mexico Supreme Court rules abortion is not a crime
3 years, 4 months ago

Mexico Supreme Court rules abortion is not a crime

LA Times  

A woman holds a banner that says, in part, in Spanish, “Abortion Safe and Legal” during a demonstration in Mexico City. “From now on, you will not be able to, without violating the court’s criteria and the constitution, charge any woman who aborts under the circumstances this court has ruled as valid.” Those circumstances will be clarified when the decision …

The struggle to secure access to abortion in Argentina goes on
3 years, 5 months ago

The struggle to secure access to abortion in Argentina goes on

Al Jazeera  

In recent months, Argentinians have had access to legal abortion for the first time. In December, Argentina became the fourth in Latin America to legalise abortion after the National Congress passed the Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy Law Securing this right for women and pregnant persons was a milestone achievement and the culmination of decades of struggle, setbacks and progress. Now, …

Ecuador at critical crossroads in push for abortion rights
3 years, 5 months ago

Ecuador at critical crossroads in push for abortion rights

Al Jazeera  

In the largely conservative nation, women can be sentenced to up to two years in prison for having an abortion. Ban on abortion Carla’s story mirrors many contained in a report released last week by Human Rights Watch that exposes the effect of Ecuador’s abortion ban, one of the harshest in Latin America. “The criminalisation of abortion has a devastating …

Salvadoran woman jailed for suspected abortion released
3 years, 7 months ago

Salvadoran woman jailed for suspected abortion released

Al Jazeera  

Sara Rogel had been sentenced to a 30-year jail term for an abortion-related crime in El Salvador. Women’s rights advocates have welcomed the release of a woman in El Salvador who was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for a suspected abortion, in a case that has drawn international attention to the South American nation’s strict abortion ban. “If El …

Ecuador abortion rights victory hailed as latest in ‘tidal wave’
3 years, 8 months ago

Ecuador abortion rights victory hailed as latest in ‘tidal wave’

Al Jazeera  

Advocates say court ruling that decriminalises abortion in rape cases is an important step, but struggle continues. Quito, Ecuador – Women’s rights advocates have hailed a recent court ruling that will ease restrictions on abortion in cases of rape in Ecuador, the latest country in Latin America to be swept up in the “green wave” abortion rights movement. Dominican women’s …

Ecuador court decriminalises abortion in rape cases
3 years, 8 months ago

Ecuador court decriminalises abortion in rape cases

Al Jazeera  

In Ecuador, a woman risks up to three years in prison for having an abortion, with few exceptions. Ecuador’s Constitutional Court has decriminalised abortion in cases of rape, the country’s human rights ombudsman announced, a significant step in Catholic-majority Latin America where termination of pregnancy is largely taboo. Ombudsman Freddy Carrion announced the court’s decision on Twitter, and said the …

International court could press El Salvador to change abortion ban
3 years, 8 months ago

International court could press El Salvador to change abortion ban

LA Times  

About seven months into her pregnancy, Manuela passed out at her family home in a rural part of Morozán in northeast El Salvador. Some banners at events like International Women’s Day say “Manuela justicia y esperanza” — Manuela justice and hope. The documents detailing Manuela’s sentencing stated that she had the “ability to choose between having, taking care of it …

The abortion cases that could force El Salvador to loosen its ban
3 years, 10 months ago

The abortion cases that could force El Salvador to loosen its ban

Al Jazeera  

Appeal of Salvadoran woman’s 30-year sentence for suspected abortion comes amid ‘green wave’ of decriminalisation in Latin America. San Salvador, El Salvador – Lawyers are fighting for the release of one of the dozens of women imprisoned for abortion-related crimes in El Salvador in a case that could signal if the country will be swept up by the region’s “green …

Honduras hardened its abortion ban. These women remain undeterred
3 years, 11 months ago

Honduras hardened its abortion ban. These women remain undeterred

Al Jazeera  

In the days since the Congress of Honduras hardened its absolute prohibition of abortion, the ranks of a feminist organisation that has been campaigning for decriminalisation in the staunchly conservative nation have been swelling. “In Honduras, there are women who have miscarriages, and they’re too afraid to look for help because the only thing they hear is that abortion is …

Argentina’s abortion law enters force under watchful eyes
3 years, 11 months ago

Argentina’s abortion law enters force under watchful eyes

Associated Press  

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina’s groundbreaking abortion law went into force Sunday under the watchful eyes of women’s groups and government officials, who hope to ensure its full implementation despite opposition from some conservative and church groups. “Another huge task lies ahead of us,” said Argentina’s minister of women, gender and diversity, Elizabeth Gómez Alcorta, who has acknowledged there will …

Argentina's Abortion Law Enters Force Under Watchful Eyes
3 years, 11 months ago

Argentina's Abortion Law Enters Force Under Watchful Eyes

News 18  

Argentinas groundbreaking abortion law goes into force Sunday under the watchful eyes of women’s groups and government officials, who hope to ensure its full implementation despite opposition from some conservative and church groups. Argentina became the largest nation in Latin America to legalize elective abortion after its Senate on Dec. 30 passed a law guaranteeing the procedure up to the …

Argentina’s abortion law enters force under watchful eyes
3 years, 11 months ago

Argentina’s abortion law enters force under watchful eyes

The Hindu  

Argentina’s groundbreaking abortion law goes into force January 24 under the watchful eyes of women’s groups and government officials, who hope to ensure its full implementation despite opposition from some conservative and church groups. “Another huge task lies ahead of us,” said Argentina’s Minister of Women, Gender and Diversity, Elizabeth Gómez Alcorta, who has acknowledged there will be obstacles to …

Brazilian women head to Argentina to avoid abortion ban
4 years ago

Brazilian women head to Argentina to avoid abortion ban

Associated Press  

RIO DE JANEIRO — With her 21st birthday fast approaching, Sara left the home she shares with her mother for her first trip on a plane. “With the changes in legislation in Latin America, women don’t need to go to the U.S., don’t need a visa to get an abortion,” said Debora Diniz, a Latin American studies researcher at Brown …

Argentina Legalizes Abortion In A Move Towards Securing Reproductive Rights
4 years ago

Argentina Legalizes Abortion In A Move Towards Securing Reproductive Rights

Live Law  

Argentina passed a law permitting abortions until the 14th week of pregnancy after several years of pro-choice advocates demanding for legalization of abortion. The legalization comes as major victory for women's rights and reproductive rights groups considering that South American countries have some of the most stringent abortion laws in the world. According to the Centre for Reproductive Rights, among …

Photos: Argentina passes landmark bill to legalise abortion
4 years ago

Photos: Argentina passes landmark bill to legalise abortion

Hindustan Times  

Photos: Argentina passes landmark bill to legalise abortion Pro-choice activists celebrated on the streets on December 30 as Argentina joined a handful of South American nations to legalise abortion, a landmark decision in a country where the Catholic Church has long held sway. The new Argentine legislation will allow voluntary terminations up to 14 weeks of pregnancy, and was approved …

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