The Congress of Puebla. Photo: Google

By KELIN DILLON

On Monday, July 15, the Congress of Puebla voted in favor of decriminalizing abortion before the end of three gestational months in the central Mexican state.

In the changes to articles 339, 340, 341, 342 and 343 of Puebla’s penal code, an abortion will only be considered an “interruption of pregnancy” if completed after 12 gestational weeks.

The news comes five years after Mexico’s in-power National Regeneration Movement (Morena) promised sweeping changes to the country’s abortion policy.

According to the human rights group the Information Group on Chosen Reproduction (GIR), Puebla’s decision marks the 14th state in the Mexican Republic to decriminalize the act of abortion.

“Decriminalization during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy will guarantee equality and the right to health for all people, and meet the growing demand for the service,” said GIR. “Data from the ILE Program in Mexico City indicates that from 2007 to 2024, 1,692 pregnant people from Puebla have been served abortions. Decriminalization in the state will allow people not to have to travel to access a legal and safe abortion.”

The topic caused a stir among the Pueblan population, leading to a clash between pro-choice and anti-abortion protestors in front of Puebla’s congressional building on Monday morning.