Mexico's Supreme Court Rules Criminalizing Abortion is Unconstitutional.

In a country with one of the largest Catholic populations, Mexico’s Supreme court voted Tuesday to decriminalize abortion, just as Texas ruled to prohibit abortions as early as six weeks — before some women know they are pregnant — and encouraged private citizens to spy on friends.

“Today is a watershed in the history of the rights of women and pregnant people, above all the most vulnerable,” Chief Justice Arturo Zaldívar said.

Before the new ruling, women could be imprisoned for up to three years for illegal abortions.

How did this happen?

Female politicians make up half of the National Congress
A strong women’s movement which created change in Mexico
The Church has been losing influence in Mexico, due in part to clerical sex abuse scandals.

“This will not only have an impact in Mexico; it will set the agenda for the entire Latin American region,” said Melissa Ayala, coordinator of litigation for the Mexican feminist organization GIRE.

Ironically, now Texas women can now cross into Mexico for abortions.