More Than 60 Pro-Life Organizations Oppose Abortion Decriminalization Proposals in Guanajuato
Representatives from more than 60 pro-life organizations and advocacy groups voiced their opposition to three legislative proposals introduced by Morena and Citizens’ Movement (Movimiento Ciudadano) seeking to decriminalize abortion in the state of Guanajuato.
The statements were made during a working session organized by the Justice Commission of the Guanajuato State Congress. Attendees wore blue shirts and scarves, carried posters and banners with pro-life messages, distributed informational brochures, and some held rosaries.
Overall, participants defended the dignity of unborn children and argued that when a woman chooses abortion, it reflects a failure of both society and the State.
Participants chanted slogans including:
- “Your mother said yes, that’s why you’re here.”
- “Yes to life.”
- “Guanajuato is pro-life.”
They expressed support for protecting human life from conception until natural death.
Arguments Presented by Medical Professionals
Moisés Velázquez Reyes, a physician representing the Guanajuato 2000 Association, stated that those attending the meeting were there to defend the lives of unborn children.
He argued that the phrase “interruption of pregnancy” is inaccurate because an interruption implies something later continues, whereas abortion permanently ends a pregnancy.
According to him, the more accurate term is “termination of pregnancy,” which he described as ending a human life.
He also stated that, in his view, there is no scientific article conclusively proving that a fetus cannot feel pain before twelve weeks of gestation.
Calls to Promote a Culture of Life
Uriel Esqueda Canchola, representing the organization Actívate, urged lawmakers to ensure that “not one more drop of blood is spilled” in the state and called for promoting a culture of life rather than one of abandonment or death.
He stated that “Guanajuato has already spoken and is pro-life,” arguing that protecting human life should remain a public priority.
Esqueda also criticized what he described as attempts by a minority and by the courts to impose legal changes, questioning why, under one of the proposed initiatives, human life would be considered to have different value after twelve weeks of pregnancy.
Religious Perspective Presented During the Session
Sandra Patricia Soto Romero, representing the organization Voces por la Vida, cited the Fifth Commandment, “You shall not kill,” while criticizing arguments previously presented by the organization Catholics for the Right to Decide during an earlier legislative hearing supporting abortion rights.
She stated that Canon Law provides for excommunication for those who procure an abortion.
Soto argued that Christian tradition has consistently defended the right to life based on natural law, which she described as preceding civil legislation.
She also referenced Donum Vitae, stating that from the very beginning of existence every human being possesses the rights of a person, including the inviolable right to life.
According to her remarks, the Church’s teaching remains unchanged in holding that direct abortion, whether intended as an end or as a means, is gravely contrary to moral law.
What Is “Donum Vitae”?
Donum Vitae (“The Gift of Life”) is the abbreviated title of the Instruction on Respect for Human Life in Its Origin and on the Dignity of Procreation.
The document was formally issued on February 22, 1987, by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith of the Holy See. It was signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, and approved by Pope John Paul II.
Its purpose is to establish the Catholic Church’s moral principles regarding the beginning of human life, embryo research, and assisted reproductive technologies.
Lawmakers From Multiple Parties Attended
The working session was attended by legislators from several political parties, including members of the National Action Party (PAN), Morena, and Citizens’ Movement (Movimiento Ciudadano).
Among those present were PAN legislators Susana Bermúdez, Jared González, and Rolando Alcántar, as well as Luz Itzel Mendo and María Isabel Ortiz Mantilla, who had not attended the previous hearing held with organizations supporting abortion rights.
Morena legislators Carlos Abraham Ramos, Miriam Reyes, Plásida Calzada, and David Martínez also participated, along with Citizens’ Movement legislator Sandra Pedroza Orozco.
Organizations Describe Support Services for Women
Representatives from several organizations stated that they have provided assistance to women who regretted having abortions and who, according to their accounts, later felt abandoned by groups that had encouraged the procedure.
Marcela López Aguado, representing Focus Films, said her organization has supported women experiencing emotional difficulties after abortion.
She explained that pro-life organizations seek to assist women facing unexpected pregnancies by providing comprehensive support, including:
- Material assistance
- Employment opportunities
- Shelter
- Medical care
- Psychological counseling
She stated that these services aim to support both the mother and her child while promoting emotional stability and family well-being.
Participants also asserted that anxiety, depression, mental health challenges, and increased alcohol or drug use may occur following abortion.
Those attending agreed that support for women and their children should be comprehensive, including economic, social, psychological, and healthcare assistance.
PAN Reaffirms Its Position
Following the meeting, Rolando Alcántar, a PAN legislator, said that these public hearings allow lawmakers to better understand the views of citizens and noted that participation from pro-life organizations has historically been significant.
He added:
“We must reflect society in our work within Congress.”
Regarding his party’s position, Alcántar stated that the PAN Parliamentary Group remains committed to promoting the protection of life.
The meeting concluded with one participant proclaiming:
“Long live Christ the King and Our Lady of Guadalupe!”
Source: am
