Abortion-politics and the print media in Mexico.

A free press has risen in Mexico increasing the legitimacy of print media as a source of objective information on abortion. Using a sample of 100 newspaper articles from five Mexico City newspapers containing the word "abortion" this study examines the context in which abortion is discussed in the media and the social actors that are associated with pro-choice anti-abortion and mixed arguments. Results show non-governmental organizations and Catholic Church representatives as the principal social actors with coverage also given to political leaders who vocalize their position toward liberalization of abortion laws. Most articles present only one viewpoint when covering abortion dominated by organizations and leaders who represent the opposite sides of the debate. This study highlights a range of issues surrounding abortion that appear in the Mexican press providing a reflection of the climate in which the abortion debate exists. (authors)