The Right to Decide

Rebecca Robyns

‘Marea Verde’ is a collective of feminists based in Mexico. They provide legal, psychological, moral and social support to eliminate and eradicate violence against women.

Teacher and Marea Verde member, Maria says "I believe that this generation has the power to transform society for the better.”

"Thousands of women die every year from clandestine abortion because it is seen as a crime here in Mexico. We are sick and tired of seeing our sisters go to jail and being made to look like second class citizens; abortion is a personal decision, and women should be supported and not criminalised for it," said Yunitzilim R Pedraza, legal counsel to the group.

Ms. Yunitzilim R Pedraza, legal counsel to the group, Marea Verde.

The state of Quintana Roo, where the group are based, has seen the highest level of teenage pregnancy in the country for the last eleven years. It also has a significant number of people in prison for the crime of abortion compared to other states. Terminating a pregnancy could carry a prison sentence ranging from 15 days to six years.

International Women's Day 2021 vigil, for the needless deaths caused through clandestine abortion and gender-based violence. 

In Mexico, as of September 9, 2021, the Supreme Court ruled that women cannot be penalised for having abortions. The court also established that it's unconstitutional to protect life starting at conception because it goes against women's reproductive health. These two main points, which have been pillars for pro-life groups, have now been brought down. Marea Verde are part of the national feminist group who are the largest opposition to President Andrés Manuel López.

Ale and Vash prepare for the March wearing the 'Pañuelo Verde' (green scarf) which has become a major symbol of feminism across Latin America. 

While the decision does not legalise abortion across the country, experts say judges will have to apply this precedent for future legal challenges to abortion restrictions in Mexico. Before the decision, only four out of Mexico's thirty-two states endorsed legal abortion.

This critical move puts the country at the forefront of reproductive health rights in Latin America and Argentina. Yunitzilim R Pedraza went on to say, "History is proving us right. Our sexual and reproductive rights are not negotiable or open to consultation. As of September 9, the supreme court of justice for the nation declared unconstitutional articles of the penal code of Coahuila that criminalised abortion.” 

“This undoubtedly sets a precedent in the struggle and leads us not to waver in demanding respect for our right to decide. In Quintana Roo, Mexico and Latin America, we remain firm,” she continued.

Solidarity through artwork. Members campaigning against gender-based violence alongside Mexico's anti-abortion stance. 

On September 28, Mexican Independence Day, the group once again marched to demand for various penal code provisions to be amended, repealed, and added to clarify the state's definition of lawful and illegal termination of pregnancy. Following this event, they signed an agreement with the attorney general of Quintana Roo on training and professional conduct, allowing them to participate and observe specialised prosecutors in practice.

September 28, Mexican Independence Day march in Chetumal, Quintana Roo.

Without doubt, it is a step towards achieving the objectives of this feminist movement advocating for the non-criminalisation of the right to decide.

"We are together, and we are strong, we will continue demanding our rights, and we will not give up until it is law!” affirms Ariadne S.

The marches are supported by women in their thousands on International Women's Day 2021.


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