Over 864,750 abortions have taken place in Mexico City since 2007, sparking pro-life activists to take action. On 26 September, activists from the Actívate platform and Pasos por la Vida civil association gathered in front of the Legislative Assembly of Mexico City to demand that Mexican deputies protect the lives of those in gestation ¹. This demonstration was part of the Global Day of Action for Abortion and aimed to promote comprehensive policies that safeguard both pregnant women and unborn babies.
Mexico City was the first to decriminalize abortion up to 12 weeks of pregnancy in April 2007, under the governance of Marcelo Ebrard. Since then, nine states have followed suit, decriminalizing abortion up to 12 weeks of gestation between 2018 and 2024, while Sinaloa allows it up to 13 weeks. The National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), led by Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has been instrumental in promoting similar legislation across various states.
Pro-life activists argue that abortion is not the solution and instead demand better support systems for women. Pilar Rebollo, president of Pasos por la Vida, emphasized the need for employment options, a decent health system, and security for women. The “Abortion is not a right” campaign has garnered over 9,000 signatories in support of vulnerable women, with activists urging legislators to protect life. Adrian Martagón, a volunteer with Actívate, stressed that these signatories represent the voice of thousands of Mexicans advocating for life protection.
The demonstration was not isolated, as similar events took place across various Mexican states, advocating for the protection of life, particularly for those unable to defend themselves. As Rebollo aptly put it, “Women deserve more. They deserve support, accompaniment, and policies that respect both their lives and those of their children.