Colombia Decriminalizes Abortion, Bolstering Trend Across Region
New York TimesFeb 22, 2022
Colombia expanded access to abortion on Monday, decriminalizing it until the 24th week of pregnancy.
The decision has been described as historic by women's rights activists, but fell short of the expectations of pro-choice groups who had reportedly been pushing for full decriminalization.
This victory paves the way for a safer future for Colombian women. Allowing people to seek abortions without fear of criminal prosecutions is a huge step forward in this historically conservative, Catholic country.
Colombia already allowed abortions in cases of the mother's life being at risk, foetal malformations or pregnancies resulting from rape. The ruling now entitles women to end lives without justification - it is a step backwards.