Uruguay to legalize abortion

September 27, 2012

In a 50-49 vote, Uruguay’s legislature has voted to legalize abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy. President José Mujica, an atheist and former guerrilla leader who was elected in 2010, has pledged to sign the measure.

Uruguay’s episcopal conference had issued a statement against the legislation, noting that science has established that a unique human being, distinct from father and mother, exists from the moment of conception.

The nation of 3.3 million is 75% Catholic, according to Vatican statistics.

 

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Further information:

• Uruguay poised to legalize abortion (AFP)
• Apreciaciones del Consejo Permanente de la CEU sobre proyecto que despenaliza el aborto (Conferencia Episcopal del Uruguay)