Despite Catholic opposition, Mexico City passes abortion initiative

Published: 2007-04-26

MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Despite an intense opposition campaign by the Catholic Church, the Mexico City Assembly has approved an initiative legalizing abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Following a heated session April 24, the legislature voted in favor of the new law, which will allow hospitals run by the city government to provide abortions. The initiative, passed 46-19 with one abstention, goes into effect April 27, and all city hospitals must begin offering abortions within 60 days. City health officials announced April 26 that only women who provide proof of residence in Mexico City are permitted to have an abortion there. Only a small portion of Mexico City's hospitals are run by the local government, and abortions will not be offered at federal hospitals.

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