© Fernando Vergara
An abortion rights activist holds up a flare in front of the Constitutional Court as judges continue discussions on decriminalizing abortion in Bogota, Colombia, Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
With 75 votes in favor, the plenary session of the Legislative approved this Thursday, February 17, the new text on the voluntary interruption of pregnancy in cases of rape in girls, adolescents and women.
After an hour and a half, which lasted the recess to readjust the project exposed by majority, the president of the Assembly Guadalupe Llori reinstated the session. Legislator Moreira, who was the project’s rapporteur, explained the new deadlines:
- 12 weeks for those over 18
- 18 weeks for girls, adolescents and women who live in rural areas and in indigenous nationalities.
However, the assemblywoman for El Oro specified that these new deadlines will prevent women from vulnerable sectors from accessing abortion.
Of the 132 assembly members present, 75 gave affirmative, 41 once morest and 14 abstentions.
With 75 affirmative votes, the #PlenoLegislativo approves the new full final text of the draft Organic Law that Guarantees the #InterruptionPregnancyInCaseOfRapesent by @JusticiaAN with the changes made today, February 17, 2022. pic.twitter.com/JGc4GgjR4e
– National Assembly (@AsambleaEcuador) February 17, 2022
In addition, paragraph 6 of article 23 was also modified. It indicates that girls and adolescents may consent autonomously as to whether they will submit to the voluntary interruption of pregnancy. “Her legal representative or caregiver, as the case may be, may accompany the girl or adolescent in making her decision.”
“In the event that the legal representative or caregiver of the pregnant person who wishes to interrupt her pregnancy is the person who exercises violence once morest her, or when there is a conflict of interest, any other person who formally or informally exercises caregiving roles may accompany her. to her”, indicates the fraction of the bill.
In the event that the victim does not have the company of their legal representative, they may access psychological support or a representative of the Ombudsman’s Office.