**Increase in Safe Abortion Procedures Observed in Baja California Over the Past Year**
In Baja California, the number of legal termination of pregnancy procedures has seen a noticeable uptick in the past year. According to Nitzia Jáuregui Pelayo, head of the Gender Equity and Reproductive Health Department within the Health Secretariat, a total of 1,201 procedures have been carried out in public institutions this year alone.
The legal framework in Baja California, which allows the decriminalization of abortion up to the twelfth week of gestation, was set into motion on October 29, 2021. That year, approximately 20 procedures were performed. In 2022, the number rose significantly to 1,092, with 1,019 recorded in 2023. This increase is primarily attributed to the opening of more modules that provide medication for the procedure, as well as the introduction of manual uterine aspiration methods in hospitals.
Jáuregui Pelayo explains that the pharmaceutical method employed is outpatient, non-invasive, and generally entails minimal complications. It is the most frequently used method in the state, aligning with standards set by the World Health Organization.
Women in Tijuana who seek information and services related to the procedure can visit various health centers, including the Health Jurisdiction on Boulevard Insurgente, Mariano Matamoros Health Center, and Francisco Villa Health Center. These services are available for reproductive autonomy or cases involving the voluntary interruption of pregnancy, including instances of sexual assault.
Adolescents over the age of 15 are not required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the procedure, given its outpatient nature. Additionally, individuals in situations of mobility who may lack official documentation like birth certificates are provided with a Unique Population Registry Code (CURP) to facilitate access to services, as noted by Jáuregui Pelayo.
For individuals seeking further details about this program, assistance is available via the Safe Abortion WhatsApp line at (686) 441-27-22.
—
**Secondary Article: Abortion Legislation and Trends in Mexico**
Across Mexico, the landscape surrounding abortion rights and services is evolving, reflecting a broader shift towards reproductive autonomy. Various states have moved to decriminalize abortion during the first trimester, recognizing the complexities surrounding reproductive health and individual choice.
As states implement more progressive legislation, services like the manual uterine aspiration and pharmaceutical methods are becoming more accessible, following international best practices for safe procedures. Advocacy groups and health organizations continue to champion women’s health rights, emphasizing the importance of informed choice and access to safe reproductive health care.
Despite progress in some areas, challenges remain. Differences in state laws create an uneven access landscape, prompting advocacy for nationwide reforms to ensure equitable healthcare access across the country. The discussions not only focus on the provision of medical services but also address the social and economic barriers that impact women’s health decisions.
As these debates and reforms continue, Mexico stands at a pivotal moment in addressing reproductive rights, aiming to balance legal frameworks with the healthcare needs and personal autonomy of women across the nation.