Abstract

VAN DIJK, Marieke G; LARA, Diana  and  GARCIA, Sandra G. Opinions of decision-makers on the liberalization of abortion laws in Mexico. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2007, vol.49, n.6, pp.394-400. ISSN 0036-3634.

OBJECTIVE: In the last decade, important advances were made in the struggle for reproductive rights in Mexico. The goal of this study was to discover the opinions of decision-makers about the grounds for legal abortion as well as to explore their perceptions about further liberalization of abortion laws countrywide. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with eight prominent decision-makers working in governmental health, law and social institutions as well as representatives of political parties. RESULTS: Six decision-makers favored a further liberalization of abortion laws. They proposed several strategies to move forward with liberalization. Two decision-makers were against abortion under all circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: Three factors seem to play a key role in the liberalization of abortion: a liberal party governing at the state level, a favorable public opinion and the pressure of NGOs promoting reproductive rights. A state-by-state approach seems more effective for generating changes in abortion laws.

Keywords : opinions on abortion; Mexico; legal abortion; health policy.

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