Thaindian News

Mexico City, Apr 20 (THAINDIAN NEWS) A pregnant 10 year old girl in Mexico has fueled the heated abortion debate there, once over again. Her stepfather, who has subsequently being arrested, had raped her. Abortion is quite a big issue in Mexico, because it is legal in the capital city only. In almost all the states, it is totally prohibited, or is quite a restricted process.

The hapless 10 years old is a resident of the state of Quintana Roo, which is located on the Yucatan peninsula. In Quintana Roo, abortion is allowed but only within the first 3 months (90 days) of pregnancy. But the girl is presently at 17 and half weeks, which is substantially more than the abortion limit time. As she is around a month past the limit, so according to the laws, she can’t have an abortion at this stage of her pregnancy.

“This girl is much more than an isolated case. And there is much more influence now from conservative groups that are trying to prevent the legalization of abortion,” according to Adriana Ortiz-Ortega, who is a researcher at Mexico’s National Autonomous University. Adriana is also the author of two books, on the subject of abortions in Mexico. “We don’t know what is happening, and the institution that is supposed to provide support and care for these minors hasn’t been transparent. We’re really asking for accountability,” said Maria Luisa Sanchez Fuentes, who is the director of the Information Group on Reproductive Choice.