title: Opinions of decision-makers on the liberalization of abortion laws in Mexico.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the last decade, important advances were made in the struggle for reproductive rights in Mexico. The goal of this study was to discover the opinions of decision-makers about the grounds for legal abortion as well as to explore their perceptions about further liberalization of abortion laws countrywide.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-depth interviews were conducted with eight prominent decision-makers working in governmental health, law and social institutions as well as representatives of political parties.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six decision-makers favored a further liberalization of abortion laws. They proposed several strategies to move forward with liberalization. Two decision-makers were against abortion under all circumstances.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Three factors seem to play a key role in the liberalization of abortion: a liberal party governing at the state level, a favorable public opinion and the pressure of NGOs promoting reproductive rights. A state-by-state approach seems more effective for generating changes in abortion laws.
authors.affiliation: Reproductive Health Program, Population Council Office, Mexico.
authors.forename: Marieke G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: van Dijk
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lara
authors.forename: Sandra G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: García
mesh_terms: D000024:Abortion, Illegal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D000025:Abortion, Eugenic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D000029:Abortion, Legal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology; D000032:Abortion, Therapeutic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002410:Catholicism; D003657:Decision Making; D005104:Expert Testimony; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D011057:Politics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011635:Public Health Administration; D011639:Public Opinion; D011902:Rape