In Kayley’s presentation a few weeks ago, we discussed all the different barriers to abortion.  In some countries and states, abortion is legal, or decriminalized in Uruguay’s case, but not without barriers.  Some barriers include limiting training for providers, cost, age requirements.

Yonah’s presentation regarding decriminalization of first trimester abortions in Uruguay made me think about what we sometimes take for granted here in the US.  While much of our government here in the US and Georgia is trying to restrict women’s reproductive freedom, Uruguay seems to be going the opposite direction slowly.  Barriers Yonah mentioned include requiring 4 visits for an abortion.  I can’t remember if this was medical or surgical, though.  In the US, it is typically 2, sometimes 3, visits–one or two for the procedure, one for a follow up.  Although I am happy to see that it is decriminalized, it makes me sad to hear there are still barriers.

What should reproductive freedom fighter Uruguayans focus on next?  Should they focus on expanding abortion services to a later gestation (second trimester)?  OR should they focus on breaking down current barriers for this first trimester abortion?  Obviously, real life has many shades of gray and is not an either/or situation.  If I had to choose one main focus, I would probably focus on breaking down current barriers.  Once a first trimester abortion becomes more of a surgical or medical procedure and less of a moral action, then maybe activists can begin to convince people that second trimester abortions can head the same way.

Here is a good short, less recent piece on Uruguay that I found:  http://popdev.hampshire.edu/projects/dt/77