High Courts and Abortion Law: Judicial Politics of Abortion in Latin America

Join Dr Jordi Díez as we discuss the role of high courts in abortion rulings

Political Science Professor Dr. Jordi Díez presents his latest book, The Judicial Politics of Abortion in Latin America, which explores the significant role of courts and judicial actors in influencing key abortion decisions.

Book Abstract:

Latin America has traditionally imposed the strictest limits on legal abortion in the democratic world, but over the last twenty years, constitutional courts across the region have issued important rulings on its regulation. In The Judicial Politics of Abortion in Latin America, Díez analyzes four landmark cases in Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico. Based on research in all four countries, including interviews with high court justices and law clerks, Díez argues that the decisions' variance is explained by two main factors: justices' and law clerks' ability to assemble legal majorities in favor of reducing abortion restrictions, and each country’s unique political landscape. As debates about a woman’s right to choose unfold around the world, Díez offers important and timely lessons from Latin America.

For more information, contact Dr. Candace Johnson.