_WORLD WATCH______________________________
____________________ Guatemala ________________

First steps for family planning
Population control becomes policy
In October, Guatemala’s first-ever population control law was signed into law by President Alfonso Portillo. The measure was fought vehemently by pro-life activists in the country and was condemned by the Catholic Church.

The Social Development and Population Law puts a “reproductive health” agenda directly into national policy, calls for the widespread use of contraceptives (including abortifacients), and mandates sex education in the nation’s schools.

Mercedes Wilson, the former official delegate of Guatemala to the United Nations, said that she has been intensely involved in fighting the legislation, which she says is “a grave danger to children, youth, and families.” Archbishop Rodolfo Quezada of Guatemala City asked the president to veto the legislation, and expressed concern that the law would be manipulated to promote abortion.

Back to Catholic World Report December 2001 Table of Contents