"Mexican State Joins Growing List of Abortion Decriminalization"

Mexico's Supreme Court has decriminalized abortion in Aguascalientes state, making it the 12th Mexican state to remove criminal penalties for abortion. This positive shift is largely thanks to the vision and perseverance of Mexican civil society. The Supreme Court ruling invalidates the portion of the state's criminal code that criminalizes self-induced or consensual abortion and reiterates that no woman or person with gestational capacity, or health personnel can be prosecuted for abortion. The decision highlights the importance of an independent judiciary in safeguarding rights and the collaboration between local and national civil society groups in bringing these victories. Aguascalientes now needs to modify its criminal code and strengthen health services to ensure access to abortion services for everyone.