Originally published January 9 2006
Colombia court will not issue decision on abortion case
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The New York Times has reported that Colombia's Constitutional Court has refused to rule on a lawsuit that aims to legalize abortion in the instance of rape, medical emergency, or when the fetus is expected to die after birth from severe abnormalities.
Colombia's Constitutional Court, the nation's highest court, on Wednesday declined to rule on a lawsuit that seeks to legalize abortion in cases of rape, to save the life of the woman, or when the fetus is expected to die after birth because of severe fetal abnormalities, the New York Times reports.
Women's Link Worldwide, which filed the suit, said Colombia's laws banning abortion infringe on a woman's right to life and health as mandated by international treaties to which Colombia has agreed.
The court said that the suit has not been rejected completely but added that the filed complaint lacked sufficient arguments to allow for a ruling in the case.
Another complaint could still be filed, the court said (Forero, New York Times, 12/8).
Monica Roa, an attorney for Women's Link, said, "What the court decided is not to decide," adding, "We'll have to wait and see their arguments because ...
we're committed to this public health problem" (Martinez, AP/Mainichi Daily News, 12/8).
Women's Link said it will look at the court's comments before deciding how to proceed (New York Times, 12/8).
According to data from the Colombia Social Welfare Ministry, 300,000 illegal abortions occur annually in the country, with 30% of women reporting complications.
Colombia, Chile and El Salvador are the only countries in Latin America that ban abortion in all instances, according to the AP/Mainichi Daily News (AP/Mainichi Daily News, 12/8).
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