In Uruguay, the Chamber of Deputies voted 50 to 49 last week to legalize abortion. The AP reports that President Jose Mujica will allow the law to pass. Women will be allowed to access legal abortions in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and up to the 14th week in cases of rape or incest. The new law also allows late abortions when the mother's life is in danger and in instances of extreme deformation of the fetus.
Abortion will only be available, however, for those who jump through the extensive hoops the government has established. According to the Huffington Post, "compromises include requiring women seeking abortions to justify their request before a panel of at least three professionals- a gynecologist, psychologist and social worker- and listen to advice about alternatives including adoption and support services if should she decide to keep the baby. Then, she must wait five more days 'to reflect' on the consequences before the procedure." The new laws also require parental consent or judicial approval if the woman is under the age of 18.
Uruguay is the second nation in Latin America to legalize abortion access. Abortion is legal in Cuba in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Media Resources: Feminist Newswire 09/25/12; Christian Post 09/30/12; Huffington Post 09/25/12; NPR 09/26/12
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