Uruguayan Ministers, Public Figures Join Internet Campaign To Legalize Abortion

Uruguayan Ministers, Public Figures Join Internet Campaign To Legalize Abortion

Two government ministers and other Uruguayan public figures recently joined an Internet-based campaign to legalize abortion in the country, Reuters reports (Avila, Reuters, 6/11). Women who undergo abortion in Uruguay can face a three- to nine-month prison sentence, and anyone who is convicted of performing an abortion can face six to 24 months in prison. Abortion has been illegal in Uruguay since 1938 (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 5/10/04). About 30,000 illegal abortions are performed annually in the country, which has a population of about 3.3 million, according to nongovernmental organizations.

According to Reuters, about 3,500 people have signed a petition at despenalizar.blogspot.com since June 1, including the interior and social development ministers, writers and artists. The Web site says, "Those of us signing this have violated the law ... either by having an abortion or financing one, by accompanying a woman to have one, (or) knowing the identity of many women who have had one and keeping quiet. Either we are criminals or the law is unjust."

According to a recent poll, 61% of the country's population support legalizing abortion. A bill that would ease restrictions on the procedure was recently introduced in Congress, but Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez has said he will veto any such legislation. The Senate defeated a similar bill in 2004 after the lower chamber passed it (Reuters, 6/11).

source : www.medicalnewstoday.com