Colombia has become the fourth country in Latin America to decriminalize abortion, joining Cuba, Uruguay and Argentina. The country’s constitutional court voted in favor of legalizing abortions up until 24 weeks of pregnancy, in a five against four ruling on Monday.
Outside the Constitutional Courthouse in Bogota, pro-choice advocates waved green flags and chanted “ya es ley,” meaning “now it’s law” in celebration.
A Major Win for Women in Colombia
Although pro-choice groups were hoping for the procedure to be fully decriminalized, this change is still a major win for women in Colombia. Prior to this ruling, abortions were only allowed under special circumstances such as potential health risks to the mother, fatal malformations to the fetus, or if the pregnancy was the result of incest or rape.
It’s been estimated that up to 400,000 abortions are performed each year in Colombia, with only 10% of these procedures being legal. Women who undergo illegal abortions in the country can face up to three years of jail time.
It’s Now Easier to Access Abortions Safely in Colombia
The decriminalization of abortions up to 24 weeks in Colombia will make it easier for people of all socioeconomic backgrounds to access abortions safely, without having to provide a justification for seeking the procedure or fear criminal prosecution.
Related Articles
While women’s rights groups and pro-choice advocates are considering the move a win for Colombian women, anti-abortion groups are viewing it as the opposite. Anti-abortion groups such as United for Life are staging protests to voice their dissent.
Colombia’s conservative ex-President Alvaro Uribe also expressed his disapproval over the court’s decision on Twitter.
In a Tweet that has since been deleted, Uribe stated “this ruling deeply offends the highest group of (Columbian) citizens.”
Abortion Is Still Illegal in These Countries in Latin America
Abortion is still completely illegal in several countries in Latin America such as the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. In Venezuela, Paraguay and Guatemala, abortions are only allowed if the mother’s life is on the line.
Some advocates have commented that this move from Colombia will potentially influence other countries in Latin America to follow suit.
Stay tuned to toast for more information on how social movements are changing our world.
