Abortion has been legalized in Jalisco, allowing women to terminate their pregnancies legally before 12 weeks. The decision came after the Congress of Jalisco voted in favor of the decriminalization, with 20 votes supporting the measure and 16 against. This move aligns Jalisco with 13 other states in Mexico that have already changed their laws on abortion.
The final vote took place on the evening of October 4, following a heated debate. Due to protests both in favor of and against the legislation outside the Congress building, the session was conducted behind closed doors. Earlier in the day, a special commission was formed to harmonize local and federal laws, paving the way for the issue to be discussed in the plenary session.
Key supporters of the initiative included legislators Mara Robles, Susana de la Rosa, Yussara Canales, Mirelle Montes, and deputy Enrique Velázquez. In contrast, José María Martínez voiced strong opposition to the reform.
During the initial vote, taken around 9:00 p.m., there was a deadlock with 18 votes in favor, 18 against, and one abstention, which delayed the decision for over an hour. Finally, a second vote was held at 11:00 p.m., resulting in the measure passing with 20 votes in favor, 16 against, and one null vote due to the absence of deputy Érika Ramírez.
While the new law allows abortions within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, it maintains penalties of four months to one year in prison for those who terminate their pregnancies beyond that period.