From Fos Feminista Director Giselle Carino

I’m writing to share great news from Mexico: based on the case presented by our partner GIRE and other local organizations, the Supreme Court just decriminalized abortion in Mexico at the federal level.

Yesterday’s ruling builds on the 2021 decision in which the Supreme Court said it is unconstitutional to criminalize abortion – the decision then only applied to one state, but it opened the path for implementing decriminalization on a state-by-state basis. Up until now, 12 Mexican states had done it. Yesterday’s decision takes the step forward of imposing a federal reach into the understanding that criminalizing abortion is unconstitutional, which impacts all 32 states in the country. Having been unanimously approved, the ruling becomes mandatory for all local and federal judges. In practice, the ruling opens the door for all women and people who can become pregnant to be able to access abortion services in any federal health institution in the country. 

This victory is the result of decades-long efforts of Mexican feminist movements, leaders, and organizations, and we celebrate all steps that can widen abortion access nationwide. And as we have long learned, real abortion access, particularly to those at the margins, does not happen at the stroke of a pen. So, it is to honor our Mexican partners that we must stand firm in our commitment to continue supporting their work.

Last year we were marching in the streets with the Mexican Green Wave – this year we are celebrating their bravery and sending our unwavering support.