Mexico City legalizes abortions

MEXICO CITY – A new measure legalizing abortions in Mexico City was published into law on Thursday, allowing doctors to almost immediately begin terminating pregnancies in their first trimester.

City Health Secretary Manuel Mondragon said early term abortions will be legal starting today for women who are nearing the 12-week limit and cannot wait. Women whose pregnancies are less advanced must wait until the law’s regulations are published. Authorities are expected to do so next week.

He also said that except in cases of medical emergency, women will have to prove residency in the capital – addressing the belief that the law would make the capital a magnet for women across Mexico seeking abortions. Girls under 18 would need parental consent.

The law also allows gynecologists with moral objections to refuse to perform abortions.