In re Abortion Law Challenge in Colombia: Center’s Amicus Brief

I. Introduction
The issue presented before the honorable Constitutional Court of Colombia in this case – whether the categorical ban on abortion in Article 122 of the Colombian Penal Code is constitutional – raises a question of first impression for this Court that involves the most fundamental rights of life, health and dignity.Constitutional courts and legislatures of many countries around the world have considered this important question on numerous occasions over the last several decades. Amici in this case respectfully submit that these countries’ consistent practices treating the rights of women in the context of abortion provides a useful guide for this Court’s analysis of this important issue.