Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday called on Mexican authorities to strengthen abortion access and eliminate remaining criminal code barriers after the Congress of the State of Mexico voted to decriminalize abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

HRW emphasized that while the State of Mexico’s reform marks substantial progress, implementation remains crucial. The organization advocated for comprehensive service delivery and the complete removal of remaining legal barriers that might discourage healthcare providers or patients.

The rights group’s research revealed persistent obstacles to abortion access in Mexico’s most populous state, even in previously legally permitted cases. HRW highlighted that healthcare providers are often denied services based on personal beliefs, while administrative and bureaucratic hurdles have created additional barriers for those seeking legal procedures.

The state’s reform addresses critical healthcare gaps in a region where thousands of residents previously traveled to Mexico City for services. The new legislation extends beyond mere decriminalization, mandating the state to implement comprehensive reproductive healthcare services. This approach aims to resolve the substantial access disparities documented by HRW, particularly affecting residents in remote areas who face significant travel barriers to reach medical facilities.

The reform thus significantly impacts healthcare accessibility for the state’s 4.5 million residents living outside Mexico City’s metropolitan area. These geographical constraints have historically created disproportionate burdens for economically disadvantaged individuals and those with limited mobility or caregiving responsibilities.

Mexico’s legal landscape around abortion rights transformed in September 2021 when the Supreme Court unanimously ruled against criminalization. The landmark decision, arising from a Coahuila state case, established binding precedent requiring courts nationwide to invalidate criminal penalties for abortion. The court’s ruling fundamentally altered the constitutional interpretation of reproductive rights, rejecting arguments that had historically restricted access.

The State of Mexico became the nineteenth state to reform its abortion laws following the Supreme Court’s decision, joining other states in the country that have either voluntarily modified their codes or acted under judicial mandate. This development aligns with broader regional trends toward abortion rights expansion in Latin America, contrasting with restrictive measures in countries like Honduras.