“Puebla Congress Votes for Historic Abortion Law Change!”

On Monday, July 15, the Puebla Congress passed a significant law decriminalizing abortion, with 29 votes for, 7 against, and 4 abstentions. The law amends articles 339, 340, 341, 342, and 343 of the State Penal Code, defining abortion as the termination of pregnancy after the twelfth week of gestation.

Throughout the day, numerous activists and feminist organizations gathered on the streets in anticipation of the final decision. However, their activities were disrupted by anti-abortion, or 'pro-life' groups, who attempted to prevent deputies from entering the venue.

Footage of the crowd celebrating the decision in the Puebla Congress has been widely shared on social media. The Information Group on Reproductive Choice (GIRE) released a statement on their official accounts, highlighting that 'decriminalizing abortion during the first 12 weeks of gestation can ensure equality and the right to health for all individuals, and address the increasing demand for the service'.

The statement also noted that "The Puebla State Congress has taken a historic step in decriminalizing abortion, joining Mexico City, Coahuila, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Colima, Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Quintana Roo, Guerrero, Aguascalientes, Sinaloa, and Jalisco”. GIRE celebrated the progress and recognition of abortion as an essential health service, accessible to women, trans men, and non-binary individuals with the ability to gestate. The final tally in the Puebla Congress was 29 votes for, 7 against, and 4 abstentions.