By Sinan Dogan
BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) – Ecuador’s National Assembly approved a regulation Thursday that allows women to have access to an abortion in cases of rape.
The regulation was passed with 75 votes in favor and 41 against with 14 members abstaining from voting.
Under the new measure, abortions will be allowed for up to 12 weeks for pregnant girls who are victims of rape and for up to 18 weeks for adolescent women.
In a statement, the president of the National Assembly, Guadalupe Llori, said: "Today, the general assembly came to a conclusion with a majority decision after a democratic debate on a regulation that is of great importance for the present and future of girls, youth and women in the country."
"The regulations have been adjusted to the realities of the Ecuadorian people and victims of sexual violence," said Councilor Johanna Moreira.
There is a 30-day period for the veto or approval of the measure to be sent to Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso.