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On International Women's Day 2022, Guatemala's Congress passed a law which triples the prison sentences for women seeking abortion care, prohibits same-sex marriage and further bans the teaching of comprehensive sexuality education and sexual diversity in schools, saying that teaching "anything other than heterosexuality is normal" is against the law.  The "Life and Family Protection Law" was passed by an overwhelming majority of 160 - 8 in the conservative-led Congress, but still needs to be signed by Guatemala's president, Alejandro Giammattei, in order to come into force. Under the new law, women who "have induced their own abortion or given their consent to another person to carry it out" will face a minimum of five years in jail, but the sentences could reach a maximum of 25 years. Abortion is illegal in Guatemala except in cases where the woman's life is at risk. This law is the latest of a series of laws to attack human rights across the country, including gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights. The initiative goes against human rights agreements, especially for women and LGBTI+ people and condemns and denies the diversity of families including mono-parental homes.  Eugenia Lopez Uribe, IPPF's Regional Director for Americas and the Caribbean Region, said: "It is disturbing that on International Women's Day 2022, the Guatemalan Congress passed a law that completely violates the human, sexual and reproductive rights of women, girls and marginalized people. "While countries across Latin America were celebrating the lives and rights of women, Guatemala has chosen to criminalize those making the best decision for themselves and their families, while also risking imprisoning vulnerable women and girls who have experienced sexual violence or suffered pregnancy loss. By severely limiting access to safe and post-abortion care, the law will undoubtedly lead to an increase in unsafe abortions and a decrease in prenatal care, resulting in life-long disabilities for some women and a rise in maternal deaths. "At the same time, by prohibiting same-sex marriage, limiting comprehensive sexuality education and enabling the discrimination of sexual diversity, the Guatemalan government is creating a society that fosters miseducation, stigma, intolerance and homophobia and fuelling the persecution of LGBTI and non-binary people. "IPPF strongly condemns the passing of this archaic law and demands that the Guatemalan government fulfils international human rights agreements. We stand in solidarity with affected people across Guatemala and the organizations working tirelessly to ensure that all people have the freedom to make their own choices." For media enquiries, please contact Karmen Ivey on [email protected] or [email protected]  

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) welcomes the unanimous decision taken by the Supreme Court of Mexico to decriminalize abortion. The decision is a step closer for women and pregnant people to fully exercise their reproductive rights and bodily autonomy through safe and legal abortion care.  Abortion is legal in four out of the 32 federal entities in Mexico. Only four other countries in the region - Argentina, Cuba, Uruguay, and Guyana have almost unrestricted and legal access to abortion care. Eugenia Lopez Uribe, IPPF’s Regional Director for the Americas and Caribbean said: “This historic ruling by the Supreme Court of Mexico is thanks to the feminist movement in Mexico and in the region, who have been relentless in their fight the law to recognize the dignity and humanity of people seeking abortion care. This decision will continue the Green Wave ripple effect across the region - we look at Argentina last year and now Mexico, these movements give us hope and motivation to continue to fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.” Esperanza Delgado, Strategic Director for Advocacy and Interinstitutional Relations of MEXFAM added: “September 7 will become a memorable date in Mexico. In a progressive pronouncement in favour of reproductive autonomy, respect for the secular State, and the rights of women and pregnant people over those of the embryo, Mexico's highest legal authority indicated that it is unconstitutional to punish those who decide to terminate a pregnancy at its early stage.   “All of us who have joined forces and who are fortunate enough to fight for the recognition of human rights, should be proud and may our achievement inspire others in every corner of the planet. MEXFAM is committed to making this long-awaited legislation a reality for every person that decides to choose.” For media inquiries please contact [email protected]