The Mexican bishops’ conference has expressed concerns over a Supreme Court decision that upheld a health norm allowing access to abortion in public clinics if a woman has been the victim of sexual violence.
“We say clearly: Respect for the right to life cannot be infringed upon by the circumstances in which a human being is conceived,” the conference said in a statement.
“The Mexican bishops are not trying to impose a religious concept on the life and dignity of the embryo, rather adhere to the guarantee of the right to life, which should be administered by a government respectful of human rights.”
In an 8-3 decision at the beginning of the month, the court ruled a norm known as NOM-046 was constitutional, rejecting a petition from Baja California state government and the Aguascalientes state legislature to overturn the measure.
Complaint
The norm permits women, having suffered sexual violence, to request an abortion at any public health clinic without first filing a criminal complaint with the police. Only a sworn statement would be necessary.
It also permits a victim over the age of 12 to receive an abortion in such circumstances without obtaining the permission of a parent or guardian.
“It is imperative to signal that the unrestricted practice of abortion does not constitute a real solution and profound solution to the problem of sexual violence against women,” the statement said.