Abortion Far More Prevalent in Mexico Than in U.S., Study Shows

Despite the fact that abortion is largely illegal in Mexico, the abortion rate increased by one-third between 1990 and 2006, according to a recent national survey. The 2006 abortion rate in Mexico was more than 40% higher than the U.S. rate, where abortion is broadly legal and accessible.

The study, conducted by El Colegio de Mexico, the Population Council Mexico Office, and the Guttmacher Institute, found that many abortions in Mexico take place under unsafe conditions, resulting in serious health consequences for women.

In 2007, abortion was legalized in Mexico City within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy; however, abortion remains illegal in other Mexican states.

“These findings confirm research from other parts of the world – that making abortion illegal does not significantly decrease its frequency, it just makes it unsafe and puts women’s lives at risk,” said Fatima Juarez, lead author of the study.

>Learn more about reproductive rights in Mexico.