On November 11, 2008, the Uruguayan Senate passed a bill that partially decriminalized abortion by allowing a mother to terminate her pregnancy during the first 12 weeks in order to prevent risks to her health, birth deformities, economic hardship or other family problems. On November 14, 2008, President Tabare Vazquez vetoed the legislation. However, on October 23, 2012, President Jose Mujica signed a bill forbidding restrictions on abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy; after 12 weeks, women must go before a medical panel and go through a five-day "reflection" period before undergoing the procedure. Uruguay was the second Latin American country to decriminalize abortion.

Flag of Uruguay

Read an overview of Reproductive Rights in Features.

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