By Matthew Cullinan Hoffman
MEXICO, May 27, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) -Thousands of Mexicans took to the streets last Sunday to demonstrate in favor of human life and against legislation passed last year in Mexico City that decriminalizes abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The protests were called by the nation’s Catholic bishops in response to the newest round of hearings before the Mexican Supreme Court, which began last Friday. The hearings are scheduled to continue until the end of 2008.
The crowds chanted and carried banners with statements such as "Rape demands justice, not murder!", "If the rapist is not condemned to death, neither is the child who is conceived!" and "Allowing abortion violates the Constitution!"
In Celaya, in the State of Guanajuato, 5,000 marchers turned out for the event. One of the speakers was the president of the Celaya Medical College, Dr. Sergio Cruz.
"Human life begins from the moment of conception. The reproduction of the cell begins from the moment in which an egg unites with a sperm cell," said Cruz. "We are not in agreement with the penal code of the Federal District where it says that a living person begins after the 12th week. It’s outside of any scientific concept."
Friday’s hearings in the Supreme Court included testimony by various legal experts, ethicists, and heads of associations. A petition was delivered containing 1,600 signatures by women who have repented of their abortions.
The Archdiocese of Mexico City did not participate in Sunday’s round of protests, stating that it needed time to organize a larger demonstration on the 22nd and 27th of June.