Uruguay's Senate recently voted to allow abortion during the first trimester. However, President Tabaré Vázquez announced his plans to veto the measure, arguing that he does not agree with the measure "neither philosophically nor biologically."
Despite its current illegal status, an estimated 33,000 abortions are performed annually, with compliant doctors risking imprisonment. Keeping abortion illegal does not stop women from getting them, but keeping the procedure in the shadows makes women vulnerable to unsafe conditions and puts their health at risk.
The President needs to go beyond his moral objection to consider the health and safety of Uruguyan women. Urge President Vázquez to approve the measure to legalize abortion during the first trimester in Uruguay.
Dear President Vázquez:
I ask you to reconsider your plan to veto the act to legalize abortion in the first trimester. Although abortion is currently illegal in Uruguay and compliant doctors can be imprisoned, an estimated 33,000 abortions are performed annually in your country. Keeping abortion illegal does not prevent it from happening. However, its clandestine state heightens the health risks of women, possibly endangering their lives.
It is understandable to feel that the legalization of abortion could be interpreted by some as approval of the act when in fact you have stated your opposition to it on moral grounds. However, I ask that you go beyond your moral objection to consider the health and safety of Uruguyan women. Please approve the measure to legalize abortion in the first trimester, for the protection of the women of Uruguay.
[Your comments]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
