Abortion rights in Mexico

I agree with @PointedPen in that it us unclear what the title of the article implies with “steps forward and back”. An archaic perspective such as this will not do well in Mexico, a country that teeters between the past and the future on a daily basis. Although Mexico is a predominantly Catholic country, it needs to be realized that there is a difference between pro-choice and pro-abortion. Issues like this are not easily defined and are not black and white. It does not make sense to make abortions illegal in the name of religion on one hand, while legalizing prostitution and gay marriage on the other. The country is so polarized that its policies will only lead to further chaos. There needs to be a common law for all states for resolutions to be implemented. Mexico would also do well to think more about the high rates of homicide and crime in the nation if it is really focusing on protecting its people. Although a social issue such as this is difficult to reach a compromise on because everyone has varying opinions, without some form of resolution that is reasonable, Mexico is going to put many at risk because simply outlawing something does not make the problem go away.

Mexico's anti-abortion arguments look a whole lot like the anti-abortion arguments that are present in America. There are many Christian groups that believe that abortions shouldn't be acceptable, but then there are people that believe that it is ok for abortions in certain cases. This just goes to show that there is always going to be differences among people within a country on certain issues. There will never be a case where everyone agrees on something.

Mexico overall is a very socially conservative country, especially due to Catholic prominence. However, the acceptance of abortion in Mexico City and it being banned by northern Mexican states like Baja and San Luis Potosi just show the political and cultural divide between north and south/urban and rural areas. This is like the divide between "Heartland America" (South and Midwest) and the West and East coasts of the United States. It is a major urban/rural, liberal/conservative cleavage that is prevalent in the U.S. and Mexico. It will be interesting to see how many more states in Mexico move to ban abortion and take other pro-life policy measures. Also, this argument will surely shape the attitudes of politicians in the upcoming 2012 election.

It is difficult to find a balance between the rural and urban people of Mexico, let alone the liberal and conservative. It's sad that abortion is illegal (which will indoubtably lead to sketchier abortions) and yet prostition is on the way (if not already) to being legal. I'm also suprised that such a Catholic culture has already approved gay marriage but having deliberations over simularly controversal social issues.

The draconian Catholic Church still weilds a whole lotta power & influence, in Mexico's predominantly Catholic (& less educated) hinterlands. Just goes to prove, once again, that religious indoctrination (brainwashing) continues to be a powerful mind-altering sociological tool, to this day. Mexico City may be the exception to the rule.

Meanwhile, in the same country, bodies and heads are dumped in the streets of several Mexican cities on an almost daily basis.

Which affair needs all the attention of the politicians and the society?

Why are we so much involve with the minor issues, Rather than to think the biggest problems, are Economics of our Country ?
Cllr Ken Tiwari (Oxford UK)

This is nothing more than realpolitik as the politicians does these chicancery before the election just to polarise their electorates.

It happens everywhere; as I am from India the situation is same out here. Now to understand the corruption regrading 2 G you have to understand a whole tome of confusing materials.

I wonder why such decisions come at the cuspid of election time. Is what I am doubting is correct than democracy is just a sham.

Bravo Mexico. Indeed the meek shall inherit the earth.....as well as parts of Texas, Arizona and Southern California.

Does the blogger really lives in Mexico? It is far from certain that Ebrard's name will be on the presidential ballot. His party (the Party of the Democratic Revolution, PRD) may nominate instead Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (who narrowly lost in 2006). Vazquez Mota and Pena Nieto do indeed seem will gain the support from their parties. Ebrard will probably become (as a consolation prize) a candidate for the Senate.

Abortion becoming an electoral theme in Mexico? Quite improbable. Until now the issue is clear: it is a matter for states to decide, and any electoral promises to alter that balance could seem risky and unnecessary. Skyrocketing crime and the economy will remain the issues.

Great, ´cause that´s just what Mexico needs, more abandoned and neglected children to run around the streets and grow up desperate to survive. I live in Mexico and see this first hand.

I say, good for Mexico! As far as the "problems" caused this pro-life legislation, they are far fewer than those caused by abortion on demand.

I say, good for Mexico! As far as the "problems" caused this pro-life legislation, they are far fewer than those caused by abortion on demand.

The title is not clear. Which ruling is a "step forward" and which is a "step back?"

In both cases the courts simply upheld the decisions made by legislatures.

So... conservative Catholics are socially conservative.