After months of heated debate and with all eyes in Mexico on the capital, it looks at this hour as if Mexico City will make the historic move to approve the legalization of abortion. Mexico City’s La Jornada reports that voting is currently 46 in favor and 20 against on the bill that would make abortion from the first to the 12th week of gestation legal in Mexico’s largest metropolis. It would also lessen the punishment for physicians who perform the procedure after the 12th week.

As about one hundred pro-life activists protested, held vigils and fasted outside the city’s Legislative Assembly offices, the Pope put out a statement saying he

“unites himself to the Church in Mexico and so many people of good will, concerned about the Federal District legislation that threatens the life of unborn children.”

Pro-choice activists (pictured below) also gathered outside the Assembly, and Mexico’s left wing party, PRD, is organizing a gathering at the Juarez monument in the city’s Alameda park to watch the debate live on TV screens, and show support of the decision that is likely to be made by city lawmakers this afternoon.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, a group called Mexican-Americans for Life will hold a vigil tonight to

pray for a change of heart in the Mexico City legislators who are about to legalize abortion. After Mass, women who have had abortions will lead a recitation of the Holy Rosary. These women were hurt by abortion and they do not want other women to suffer. Now, they believe abortion is murder, and they pray it is not legalized in Mexico City.

I don’t think that prayer can stop this train, as it’s already left the station. Mexico City, with or without the rest of the country, is entering a new era.

Via / La Jornada

Images via SignOnSanDiego-Copley News Service and La Jornada