S\u00c3O PAULO, Brazil \u2014 Uruguay\u2019s Senate approved a bill on Wednesday that allows women to have abortions during the first trimester of pregnancy for any reason, opening the way for one of the most sweeping abortion rights laws in Latin America.<\/p>\n
The bill, approved by Uruguay\u2019s 31-member Senate by a 17-to-14 vote, had been narrowly approved in September by the country\u2019s lower house. While some prominent political leaders in Uruguay have opposed the measure, President Jos\u00e9 Mujica has supported it. Alberto Breccia, a top aide to Mr. Mujica, said Wednesday that the president had no plans to veto the bill, almost ensuring that it would become law by early November. <\/p>\n
The legislation requires a woman to explain her desire to have an abortion to a panel of at least three people, including a gynecologist, social worker and mental health professional, who must discuss abortion-related health risks and alternatives including adoption. After meeting with the panel, a woman must then reflect for five days before finally opting to have an abortion. <\/p>\n