Resumen : Although Mexico passed the Population Law in 1973, which gave everyone the right to freely and responsibly choose the number of children, abortion in practice is still a crime. Mexican women have sought legal abortion since 1937. The movement to legalize abortion has not been strong enough to convince the state to make legislative reforms. The Catholic Church and conservative groups are active in defeating reforms. Political campaigns prior to 1988 focused on Mexican women's right to vote. The abortion debate was still considered too taboo for political discussion. Illegal abortions are performed in clean hospitals and unsanitary doctor's offices but are never prosecuted. The cost varies. The Pro-Life group in Mexico in 1989 used the same methods used in the US, such as widespread raids on abortion clinics and detentions of patients. Strong public protest forced a decline in persecution, but conservative politics were stronger and better financed than supporters of abortion legalization. Reform of the Mexico City Criminal Code is scheduled for debate in November 1989. The abortion provision includes a variety of reasons for abortion, but it does not include economic reasons. Mexico supports the UN Population Activities for reducing population growth. The government set up eight family planning programs in the poorest, most populated rural areas. The Health Ministry found that the cost of illegal abortion was greater than provision of abortion services in government clinics. These actions give hope for reform. The feminist movement in Mexico is marginal and declining. There is hope in political action from the top level of government administration.
Notes : Inglés/anglais/English, nbsp;Abstract : Popline (http://db.jhuccp.org/popinform/basic.html) - PIP 110763