Colombia’s high court decriminalized abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy on Monday. It is a significant decision for the majority-Catholic country, which is one of the only few in Latin America to do so. Colombia joins a group of Latin American countries, including Mexico and Ecuador, that have recently liberalized abortion access.
In 2006, a Colombian court decision partially legalized abortion. It allowed abortion only in circumstances of rape, fatal fetal malformation, and the woman’s health, with no time limitations. Women will not be prosecuted for seeking abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy under Monday’s ruling. It had the backing of five of nine judges. After that, the procedure will only allow abortion under the original three conditions.
Abortion punishable after 24 weeks of pregnancy
“The practice of abortion will only be punishable when it is conducted after the twenty-fourth week of gestation and, in all cases, this time limit will not apply to the three conditions laid out in Ruling C-355 of 2006,” the court said in a statement.
Aside from those exceptions, women, and doctors who conduct abortions would face jail penalties varying from 16 to 54 months. Hundreds of pro-and anti-abortion demonstrators gathered in front of the courthouse in Bogota, Colombia’s capital.
“After the right to suffrage, this is the most important historic achievement, for the life, autonomy, and full and equal realization of women,” Bogota mayor Claudia Lopez tweeted.
According to the court’s statement, Congress and the federal government must immediately establish policies to protect the rights of pregnant women. Policies include providing family planning services, removing barriers to abortion treatment, and assisting with adoptions. Around 90% of abortions in the country are unlawful, as per the Causa Justa coalition, which filed a legalization lawsuit in September 2020. This certainly puts women’s lives in jeopardy as they seek unsafe alternatives to visiting a doctor. A decision was due late last year. However, there was a frequent delay due to a judge’s recusal motion and other procedural issues.
