Mexico City, Mexico, Mar 26, 2018 / 17:14 pm
The Mexican Senate has approved a measure protecting the conscientious objections of medical personnel who hold moral or ethical objections to certain treatments.
The decree, approved March 22, states that "professionals, technicians, aides, social service providers that are part of the National Healthcare System shall be able to invoke the right of conscientious objection and excuse themselves from participating and/or cooperating in all those programs, activities, practices, treatments, methods or research that contravenes their freedom of conscience based on their values or ethical principles."
Critics of the legislation have threatened to challenge it in court, saying that it violates a woman's right to choose abortion.
Abortion is legal in Mexico City up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, although it is illegal in much of the country.