Guanajuato Abortion Vote Ends in a Tie, Protests Erupt

Guanajuato Congress Deadlocks on Abortion Rights, Delaying Decision to Next Week The Guanajuato state congress in Mexico has deadlocked on a crucial vote regarding the decriminalization of abortion, resulting in a tie of 18 votes for and 18 votes against the proposed legislation. This decision has postponed the matter to a future date, leaving the issue unresolved and sparking protests from women’s rights advocates. The proposed changes aimed to amend both the local constitution and the penal code, aligning Guanajuato with other Mexican states that permit abortion up to 12 weeks. Supporters of the bill, including several Morena party members, argued that the current laws violate women's reproductive rights. However, opposition from members of the PAN, PRI, and PRD parties prevented the bill from passing. "The tie vote is a setback for women's rights in Guanajuato," stated a representative from a local women's rights organization. "We will continue to fight for our right to choose and demand that the congress respects the decisions made by the Supreme Court of Justice." The congress has now scheduled an extraordinary session for next Tuesday to reconsider the bill. Meanwhile, women's rights organizations have announced protests in Leon and Irapuato, the state capital, to pressure lawmakers to approve the legislation. The upcoming vote will be critical in determining whether Guanajuato will move forward with the decriminalization of abortion or continue to restrict access to these essential services.