Women across Latin America march in favor of abortion rights

Women participate in a protest to mark the International Safe Abortion Day in San Salvador, El Salvador September 28, 2020. REUTERS/Jose Cabezas

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Thousands of women demonstrated in several Latin American cities on Tuesday to commemorate the global day of action for access to safe and legal abortion, in a region where the procedure is fully permitted only in a handful of countries.

In Mexico City, women marched to the historic center under the gaze of police with shields and riot helmets. Authorities put up protective fences on some major buildings and monuments that in the past have been spray-painted during demonstrations.