**Slight Increase in Safe Abortion Procedures in Baja California Over the Past Year**
In Baja California, the number of safe abortion procedures, known as Interrupción Legal del Embarazo (ILE), has seen a slight uptick this year. As of now, 1,201 procedures have been performed in public institutions across the state. Nitzia Jáuregui Pelayo, head of the Gender Equity and Reproductive Health Department at the Ministry of Health, attributes this rise to the opening of more centers facilitating ILE services.
Back in 2021, Baja California decriminalized abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy, resulting in about 20 procedures that year. The numbers climbed to 1,092 in 2022 and 1,019 in 2023. This increase is associated with the availability of medications and procedures like manual uterine aspiration at various health facilities.
According to Jáuregui Pelayo, the primary method employed is a pharmacological treatment that is outpatient and minimally invasive. This approach aligns with standards set by the World Health Organization and is widely used in the state.
In Tijuana, women seeking ILE services can find support at several locations including the Jurisdiction of Health on Bulevar Insurgente, the Mariano Matamoros Health Center, and the Francisco Villa Health Center. Services are available to women who wish to terminate pregnancies for reproductive autonomy or due to incidents like rape.
Teenagers above the age of 15 can access these services without needing a guardian’s accompaniment, given the outpatient and non-invasive nature of the procedures. Additionally, for individuals who may not have traditional identification documents, a Clave Única de Registro de Población (CURP) is provided to ensure they can receive the necessary services.
For more detailed information, individuals can reach out to the dedicated line for Safe Abortion services at (686) 441-27-22.
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**Secondary Update: Mexican Supreme Court Ruling Expands Access to Abortion**
Recently, the Mexican Supreme Court issued a major ruling that struck down federal criminal penalties for abortion, expanding access across the country. This landmark decision underscores the move towards advancing reproductive rights in Mexico beyond regional laws, allowing women to access abortion without facing legal repercussions at a federal level.
This ruling follows a series of progressive measures in Mexican states like Baja California, where local decriminalization efforts had already begun to take shape. Legal experts and health professionals hope this national framework will further reduce barriers and foster a supportive environment for women seeking reproductive health services.
Overall, these developments signify a broader shift towards respecting women’s autonomy and ensuring their safe access to medical procedures across Mexico.