**Legislation Pending on Attempted Femicide Definition: Human Rights Commission**
Efforts to reform the legal definition of attempted femicide remain incomplete, according to the State Human Rights Commission (CEDH). In its recommendations to the Baja California State Congress, the commission has highlighted the need for legislative action in this area.
Jorge Álvaro Ochoa Orduño, the president of CEDH in Baja California, shared, “When we issued the recommendation regarding Dariela’s femicide, we also sent a copy to the State Congress. There is a part where we ask for legislation to define and code the crime of attempted femicide, a legal classification that is currently absent from the Baja California Penal Code.”
In response, Congresswoman Michel Sánchez Allende noted that work continues on this important issue. Although initial progress has been made with various aggravating factors related to the crime of femicide, they hope to present the initiative this year.
“We’ve committed to addressing the attempt to legislate attempted femicide, as recommended by the Human Rights Commission. We’re currently drafting a proposal and plan to conduct forums and workshops, inviting victims to share their experiences. My aim is to present it this year, but this will require teamwork,” she said.
Last year, in 2024, Congresswoman Sánchez introduced a reform to the femicide definition, including aggravating circumstances that apply if the crime involves mobility platforms, multiple perpetrators, is committed in the presence of family members, or targets indigenous women, pregnant individuals, or minors.
She further elaborated, “We approached this reform with a human rights focus. However, we couldn’t address the attempt aspect due to time constraints and coordination issues with the district attorney’s office.”
The approval of the Dariela Law also seeks to encourage authorities to improve training on equality and violence prevention. Starting in February 2026, it will be mandatory for the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to implement training guidelines on these subjects. Non-compliance could lead to administrative sanctions or hinder career progression.
To support these training initiatives, an agreement has been signed between the Baja California State Congress and the Human Rights Commission to provide training across various topics.
“There’s a willingness from the congress to allow for these trainings, which is important. It allows us to make necessary amendments from a perspective that avoids potential constitutional challenges,” Ochoa Orduño added.
**Growing Calls for Femicide Attempt Legislation Nationwide**
In light of ongoing discussions in Baja California, there’s increasing attention on the legislative void surrounding attempted femicide across Mexico. Women’s rights groups are advocating for a standardized approach nationally to address attempted femicide, highlighting it as a crucial step in strengthening protections for women and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
Recent reports indicate that several states in Mexico lack specific legal definitions or penalties for attempted femicide, leaving women vulnerable and hindering efforts to curb gender-based violence. Advocates stress the urgent need for comprehensive legal frameworks and proper enforcement mechanisms to effectively deter such crimes.
The pressure mounts as civil society organizations and human rights bodies continue to call for legislative reform and effective implementation of laws protecting women. As the dialogue progresses, it’s clear that the issue represents a broader challenge in the fight against gender violence, demanding coordinated actions from both local and national governments.