Abortion opponents are calling it "irresponsible." Abortion supporters are calling it "the case that makes history." A high court will decide *possibly tomorrow* whether to make Colombia the largest nation in Latin America to legalize the practice.https://nyti.ms/32G66vj
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1. If the court decides to legalize abortion, it will make Colombia the largest country in Latin America to do so.
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2. Supporters of abortion rights hope this will create a ripple effect. Colombia is culturally influential. Its high court is also known as a legal trendsetter.
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3. But full legalization is far from certain. Right now, abortion is permitted in some cases — for example, if a pregnancy is the result of rape. Judges may decide that they don't feel comfortable going beyond that precedent.
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4. Many Colombians also seem uncomfortable going beyond that precedent. Among them is President Iván Duque.
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5. In a twist, the case that may lead Colombia to legalize abortion was brought by a law professor who fiercely opposes the practice. Natalia Bernal wanted a ban on abortion. Instead, Colombia may become the largest nation in Latin America to allow it.
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6. Natalia Bernal, the woman seeking the abortion ban in Colombia, is a law professor living in France. She began studying abortion 2014, mostly by connecting with U.S. anti-abortion groups. Over time, she said, she became convinced the practice was a form of torture.
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7. Technically, judges could still rule in Bernal's favor. Though that does not seem to be where they are going.
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