ABORTION DILEMMA IN LATIN AMERICA
Most women feel they are being discriminated by harsh laws
TO legalise or not to legalise, that is the question on the lips of many legislators in Latin America since Argentina opted not to decriminalise abortion.
Attitudes are changing in some traditionally-conservative societies, though, as Guatemala debates contradictory proposals that would loosen or toughen laws; Brazil’s Supreme Court considers a plan to decriminalise abortion in the first 12 weeks; and, Chilean legislators debate a bill that would allow abortion in the first 14 weeks.
Here, four women tell about their experiences. very serious health problems.
“I had a friend who had so many (abortions) that she could no longer have children, and now she regrets that. We have the right to choose but we must also realise that it’s not a game.”
Elsi Rosales, 27, lives and works in the countryside, and carries the scars of a traumatic stillbirth.
Since 1998, El Salvador’s laws in this area have been unforgiving with abortion for any reason, and even miscarriages are punishable by up to 40 years in prison.
“I was 38 weeks pregnant. I have a 3-year-old son who was born by C-section, I didn’t know what labour pains were.”
It happened as Rosales was in the fields carrying firewood.
“I felt pain in my lower back, and I felt like I needed to use the bathroom.”
It was there that her stillbirth happened.
“At that point, I lost consciousness. I was taken to hospital with a haemorrhage. The doctor asked what happened and was the one who denounced me.”
She spent 10 months in jail.
“I’m going to fight so that women in jail feel they’re not alone. This justice system discriminates against us for the sole reason that we’re women.” rape or a threat to the mother’s life. But in Guanajuato, it’s outlawed and carries a maximum sentence of 30 years.
Monse Castera, 32, has had three legal abortions, the first in France when she was 21.
“It was... very professional, the one in which I felt most secure.”
The next two were after it was legalised in Mexico City.
“They didn’t leave me feeling guilty or with emotional pain. Abortion is not something we should feel ashamed about.
“It should be avoided but what should most be avoided is having unwanted children.
“It fills me with infinite sadness that in 2018, a woman cannot make decisions about her own body. If men could get pregnant, this discussion wouldn’t even be on the table.”
Mariana Rodriguez, 27, had an abortion in Uruguay, where it has been legal since 2013.
“It was never in my thoughts to become a mother. I don’t feel psychologically prepared, nor do I have maternal instincts.”
A torn condom and a morningafter pill that didn’t work sent her down the abortion path.
“The process was great, I felt well supported and never judged. No one tried to persuade me. The psychologist just asked if I was sure and I gave my explanation.
“I was lucky that I didn’t have to listen (to talk of homemade methods) using parsley and a knitting needle.
“I’m thankful of the law in Uruguay. It’s applied in a perfect way and should be an example to other countries.”