Colombia judges split on removing abortion from penal code

Women demonstrate in front of Colombia's constitutional court in support of removing abortion from the penal code, in Bogota, Colombia January 20, 2022. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Eight judges from Colombia's constitutional court were evenly split on Thursday over whether abortion should be eliminated from the penal code, the coalition of pro-choice groups which brought the long-running lawsuit said.

Abortion was partially legalized in Colombia under a 2006 ruling that allows it in cases of rape, fatal fetal deformity, and health of the mother.