Guanajuato Defies Supreme Court, Rejects Abortion Decriminalization

Guanajuato Congress Rejects Abortion Decriminalization Despite Supreme Court Ruling Guanajuato, Mexico – In a controversial decision that highlights the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights in Mexico, the Guanajuato state Congress voted against decriminalizing abortion up to 12 weeks of gestation. The 19-17 vote, marked by intense protests and accusations of political betrayal, stands in stark contrast to the 24 of Mexico's 32 states that have already aligned their laws with a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that deemed the criminalization of abortion unconstitutional. The rejection was largely attributed to the influence of the Partido Acción Nacional (PAN), which holds a majority in the Congress. However, the final vote swung when a deputy from the Partido Verde Ecologista de México (PVEM) unexpectedly changed their vote, aligning with the opposition. This decision triggered immediate backlash, with accusations of betrayal echoing through the legislative chamber and the surrounding protests. "This vote is a setback for women's rights in Guanajuato," stated Mariana Rodriguez, a local activist involved in the protests. "It shows a blatant disregard for the Supreme Court's ruling and the basic human rights of women." Despite the rejection, an amparo (legal protection) is currently under review by the courts, which could force the Congress to reconsider its decision. The ongoing legal battle underscores the deep divisions within Mexico regarding reproductive rights and the ongoing efforts to ensure access to safe and legal abortion services for all women. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex political and social landscape surrounding reproductive rights in Mexico, where the fight for equality and access to healthcare continues.