Mexico’s Supreme Court Declares Abortion Articles in Chihuahua Penal Code Unconstitutional
Pro-life leaders criticize ruling as a “great blow” to the “fundamental and inalienable right to life”
Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) has declared three articles that criminalize abortion in the penal code of Chihuahua state to be unconstitutional.
The ruling invalidates articles 143, 145, and 146 of the Chihuahua penal code, which establish penalties for women who abort, those who pressure women to abort, and cases in which abortion is technically a crime but has no penalty.
The SCJN’s decision came in response to a request for an injunction filed by a woman who argued that the legal system that criminalizes abortion is “contrary to the human rights of reproductive autonomy, free development of personality, equality, and nondiscrimination, health, legal security, as well as freedom of conscience.”
Pro-life leaders have criticized the ruling, calling it a “great blow” to the “fundamental and inalienable right to life.”
They have also argued that the ruling violates legislative autonomy and powers, forcing the Chihuahua Congress to comply with a pro-abortion agenda.
Conclusion: The SCJN’s ruling is a significant victory for abortion rights advocates in Mexico.
However, it is likely to be met with continued opposition from pro-life groups.