Montevideo, Uruguay, Oct 18, 2012 / 16:04 pm
By a vote of 17-14, the Uruguayan Senate voted to ratify a bill allowing abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy, sending the measure to President Jose Mujica for his promised approval.
The Oct. 17 vote came after the bill was passed in the Uruguayan House of Representatives on Sept. 25.
A recent survey revealed that 56 percent of Uruguayans oppose abortion and want protection for the unborn.
The new law stipulates that women who wish to obtain an abortion must first appear before a commission of doctors and social workers to receive information about their decision. After a five day waiting period, they will be allowed to proceed with an abortion if they wish.