Obstáculos constitucionales para la ampliación de las causales de despenalización del aborto en Ecuador: un análisis de la sentencia Nro. 34-19-IN21 a partir de experiencias constitucionales comparadas con México y Colombia

Abstract

Abstract: This research analyzes the constitutional obstacles to a potential expansion of the grounds for the decriminalization of abortion in Ecuador, drawing on Constitutional Court Ruling No. 34-19-IN/21 and a comparison with the experiences of Mexico and Colombia. Employing a qualitative methodology, a literature review, and an analysis of case law, the study examines the protection of prenatal life, reproductive autonomy, substantive equality, the principle of proportionality, and the doctrine of minimum criminal intervention. It concludes that the Ecuadorian Constitution does not establish an absolute prohibition against expanding decriminalization, as the protection of life from conception must be harmonized with other fundamental rights. The primary obstacles identified are interpretive and methodological: an expansive interpretation of prenatal life, excessive deference to the legislature, incomplete application of proportionality, a reliance on criminal law as the primary tool, and insufficient consideration of intersectionality. Comparative experience demonstrates that it is possible to protect prenatal life without nullifying women's rights.