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Monday, February 09, 2009

Abortion Far More Prevalent in Mexico Than in U.S., Study Shows

Despite the fact that abortion is largely illegal in Mexico, the abortion rate increased by one-third between 1990 and 2006, according to a recent national survey. The 2006 abortion rate in Mexico was more than 40% higher than the U.S. rate, where abortion is broadly legal and accessible.


The study, conducted by El Colegio de Mexico, the Population Council Mexico Office, and the Guttmacher Institute, found that many abortions in Mexico take place under unsafe conditions, resulting in serious health consequences for women.


In 2007, abortion was legalized in Mexico City within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy; however, abortion remains illegal in other Mexican states.


“These findings confirm research from other parts of the world – that making abortion illegal does not significantly decrease its frequency, it just makes it unsafe and puts women’s lives at risk,” said Fatima Juarez, lead author of the study.

>Learn more about reproductive rights in Mexico.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I never got to meet George in person but spoke with him on the phone and referred patients to him on a routine basis. The man who murdered George will have to answer to God for his horrible act of violence. I and many others will miss George, his work and his compassion for women. I will remember his wife, his four children and his 10 grand children forever. I am so very sorry for your loss, for the whole worlds' loss!!!
Sincerely,
"A Soldier For George"

Natalie said...

Last August, I found out I had gotten pregnant by my ex-boyfriend. I was on Seasonique, so was supposed to only have a period every 3 months, so when my period never came I didn't think twice. Until the pregnancy symptoms started. I was 15 weeks by the time I found out and had an abortion, and I very well could have been farther along and needed someone like Dr. Tiller's services. I feel no need to justify my abortion; it was simply what I had to do, and I do not ever regret it. I regret getting into the situation in the first place, of course, but I was able to talk to my parents (both liberal physicians) about it and have my mother at the clinic with me to hold my hand when I needed it. I would like for any woman reading this who will have or has had an abortion to know that I am holding your hand now. I work at an abortion clinic currently, and I constantly give my patients as much love, compassion, and empathy as I can. Thank you, Dr. Tiller, for doing the same, without bias or judgement, and thank you, everyone posting and reading, for being on this journey of choice with me.