Courtesy Photo
By Alexa Lima
A Perspective
Reproductive rights in North America have taken a strange and unexpected turn. In the Constitutionally non-religious United States the Supreme Court has dramatically rolled back abortion rights. In conservative mostly Catholic Mexico, its Supreme Court has formally decriminalized abortion.
Mexico’s court ordered that abortion be removed from the federal penal code. This ruling requires the federal public health service and all federal health institutions to offer abortion on demand to anyone who requests it.
Southwestern College students expressed relief and happiness over the ruling. Transfronteriza Tanya Herrera, 27, lives in Mexico and crosses the border daily.
“I believe (abortion) is a personal decision,” she said. “ If I cannot raise a child and give them a stable home, good education and a good future, why should I be obligated to bring a child to this world?”
This landmark decision reflects a growing recognition in Mexico of a woman’s autonomy over her own body and her right to make choices about her reproductive health. Mexico’s journey toward decriminalization did not happen without challenges, but this represents a critical turning point in the fight for gender equality and women’s rights.
Dr. Gerardo Rios, Professor of Mexican American Studies, said Mexico has trouble with the division of secular and tradition.
“Mexico would like to be more liberal in its economy, government and society, but the trick is negotiating its deep Catholic roots,” he said.
Mexico’s abortion ruling could have a major impact on bordering countries like the U.S. Guatemala and Belize following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Jose Alberto Mendoza, 25, said Mexico will be an example for the world.
“It would make people think if they can do it, why can’t we?” he said. “Whether you are pro or against abortion you have to respect a woman’s choice. They know how their bodies process and what is best for them.”
Thousands of people living near the U.S.-Mexico border cross to Mexico for health services, because of its accessibility and lower cost. Women in the U.S. are likely to seek safe abortions in Mexico, which could impact Mexico’s healthcare system.
This raises the question: How is it that in the “land of the free” women are not free to make their own personal decisions but a country that is predominantly religious and traditionally machismo can respect women’s ability to make decisions about their own bodies? Mexico is clearly trending in a more enlightened and liberal direction, while the U.S.A. is lurching backwards into outdated conservatism.
While there will be ongoing debates and challenges, this historic decision is a testament to the power of advocacy and the resilience of those fighting for gender equality and women’s rights in Mexico and beyond.
Bravo!
