Guanajuato Congress Defeats Abortion Rights Bill in Controversial Vote

Guanajuato Congress Rejects Abortion Decriminalization The Guanajuato state congress recently rejected the decriminalization of abortion, a decision that has ignited intense debate and protests. The vote, which was initially tied, was ultimately swayed by a last-minute change of heart from a Green Party deputy, Luz Itzel Mendo González. The shift resulted in a 19-17 vote to archive the proposed legislation. "La diputada del Partido Verde, Luz Itzel Mendo González se sumó al PAN, PRD y a la priista Rocío Cervantes para darle la vuelta y votar en contra la despenalización del aborto," reported Azucena Rangel, a Milenio Television correspondent. This translates to: "The Green Party deputy, Luz Itzel Mendo González, joined the PAN, PRD, and the PRI member Rocío Cervantes to reverse the vote and vote against the decriminalization of abortion." The decision has drawn sharp criticism from pro-choice activists who staged protests outside the congress building. One activist stated, "This is a setback for women's rights in Guanajuato." The congress's decision has prompted a vow from activists to pursue legal action. Despite the controversy, the congress's decision highlights the ongoing complexities of the abortion debate in Mexico. The incident underscores the intense polarization of the issue and the potential for unexpected shifts in political alliances.