Fighting for Access to Abortion for Sexual Assault Survivors
This case held the Mexican government responsible for violating the rights of a 13-year-old rape victim attempting to access abortion care.
(Updated 3.18.21) Before the Inter American Commission of Human Rights, Mexico admitted responsibility for violating the rights of a 13-year-old rape victim, who was forced to continue a pregnancy that resulted from rape and become a mother after public health officials used a series of obstacles to convince her to withdraw her request for an abortion as a victim of sexual assault.
About the caseAbout the case
In 1999, 13-year-old Paulina Ramírez became pregnant after she was raped by an intruder in her home in Mexicali, Mexico. She and her mother denounced the rape at the Prosecutor’s Office where she was not given any medical attention or information on emergency contraception. Soon after discovering that she was pregnant, Paulina sought an abortion. According to state legislation, rape is one of the permissible exceptions to the criminal law on abortion. But public and health officials used a series of obstacles to convince Paulina to withdraw her request for an abortion, forcing her to carry her pregnancy to term and into unwanted motherhood at 13 years old.
In 2002, the Center for Reproductive Rights and two Mexican human rights groups, Alaíde Foppa and Grupo de Información en Reproducción Elegida (GIRE), filed a petition on Ramírez’s behalf before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The case alleged violations of her legally guaranteed rights under Mexican law and of her rights to physical and psychological integrity and health, among other violations.
About the rulingAbout the ruling
In 2006, a landmark settlement was reached with the Mexican government. The government admitted responsibility and agreed to pay reparations to Paulina and provide her and her son significant compensation for health care and education. The government also agreed to issue a decree regulating guidelines for access to abortion for rape victims.
The agreement led to legal reform in the Mexican state of Baja California that victims of rape receive information about the legal termination of pregnancy with the aim of guaranteeing their free and informed choice. The Settlement also established that the State of Baja California would issue a federal-wide decree calling for the development and implementation of guidelines and procedures to guarantee rape victims’ right to access abortion care, paving the way for legislative change to partially decriminalize abortion in Mexico City.
Case detailsRelated stories
Historic Decision: Mexico’s Supreme Court Decriminalizes Abortion
Girls, Not Mothers: Preventing Forced Pregnancy in Latin America and Beyond
The most up-to-date news on reproductive rights, delivered straight to you.
Take action
Fuel the Fight for Reproductive Rights
Your donation allows us to defend reproductive rights, change policies, and amplify voices around the globe.