In Latin America, there has been an increase in the number of women asking for abortions due to the spread of the Zika Virus. In most Latin American countries, abortion is illegal.

CNN reports, “In Latin American countries, where abortion is highly restricted if not downright illegal, pregnant women are seeking abortions at significantly higher rates, a new study shows.”

The abortion requests have gone up since the outbreak of the Zika Virus.

Healio explains, “With the exception of Jamaica, abortion requests increased in every country where Zika virus was autochthonous, abortion was restricted and a public health advisory had been issued (range, 36% to 108%).”
Meanwhile, in Texas and Florida abortion rates have been decreasing.

According to CBS Baltimore, “Access to abortion has been shrinking in Texas and Florida, two U.S. states considered among the most likely to experience a Zika outbreak this summer as the tropical mosquitoes that can spread Zika flourish.”

Compassion International is trying to prevent the spread of the Zika virus in Brazil by educating low income families how to protect themselves from Zika.

Compassion explains, “The churches in poor communities are like points of light that radiate hope when everything seems to be collapsing around. Once the possible relationship between the Zika virus and microcephaly was reported, our partner churches purchased repellant for the pregnant women with the support of Compassion.”

Pray for Compassion International as they work to eradicate the Zika virus in Brazil. Pray that many would come to know the Lord through the work of Compassion.

CNN: In Latin America, requests for abortions rise as Zika spreads

Healio: Abortion requests increasing throughout Latin America following Zika warnings

CBS Baltimore: Abortion Pill Requests Spike In Zika Outbreak Countries

Compassion International: Pregnancy Perspectives: The Zika Virus in Brazil