This past Wednesday the Senate in Uruguay passed a bill that allows abortions in the first trimester for any reason. The bill is almost certain to be made into law by early November since President Jose Mujica supported it. The bill will allow abortions through the first trimester and up to the first 14 weeks in the cases of rape or even later if the mother’s health is at risk. If a woman wants an abortion, she has to appear before a panel comprised of a gynecologist, social worker, and mental health professional. After the meeting with the professionals the woman must take five days to reflect on her decision before going though with an abortion. This bill has fueled other debates about abortion around Latin America, a region of Roman Catholicism and evangelical faiths. In other countries such as Cuba and Guyana abortion has been legalized while in other countries such as Argentina and Colombia have eased bans on abortions to happen in certain circumstances. Legislation like these in Latin America are helping women be able to exercise their right to a safe abortion.

According to the World Health Organization reproductive health implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so. WHO also describes it is the right of men and women to be informed of and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of fertility regulation. Reproductive rights have been a controversy not only here in the United States but also around the world. The idea that reproductive rights are basic human rights is new and still very controversial. The idea of legalizing abortion is a global issue for many different reasons. People’s religious beliefs, personal feelings and ideas are at the heart of these debates. The ultimate question is “ Is it up to the woman to decide to carry a pregnancy to term or up to outside sources to make that decision for her?” The rights to abortion and reproductive rights are issues that have been at the center of debate for years and probably will continue to be for many more. Defining what exactly is included as women’s rights have been tough task the WHO and United Nations have tried to address. Individually countries around the world are trying to address this issue with legalizing or criminalizing abortions and the woman’s right to choose to carry a pregnancy.

Other Resources:

http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/en