I’m a Latina and I’m so proud of what the people of Ecuador have done. This is a win for Latina women and children everywhere.

First, a little background… <br><br>I’m an American, but was born in South America to an Ecuadorian father and Puerto Rican mother. Even though I don’t live in Ecuador, what just happened there may change the fate of my own children.<br>My father is from a smaller town in Ecuador and through the years I’ve seen how much it has changed. Women (and young girls) are often harassed, groped, touched, and objectified. Many have been raped and nothing ever came of it. <br><br>My Ecuadorian cousins and I are close in age and we always talk about our lives. One of them had her first period at the age of 9. Imagine having to deal with that without any decent healthcare or options. <br><br>This is the reality for many young girls in South America and the rest of the world. Imagine having your period before you even turn 10, and then being told you have to carry your rapists baby. <br><br>That’s why the news from Ecuador made me cry. After years of fighting, women in Ecuador have finally won the right to abortions in cases of rape. <br><br>The law is a huge leap forward in women's reproductive rights in the traditionally Catholic and conservative country.<br><br>The Congress approved the reform to the criminal code Thursday, which establishes that abortion is not punishable when the pregnancy is the result of rape.<br><br>Previously, abortion was only allowed if the woman's life was at risk or if she was mentally disabled. <br><br>Many in Ecuador want the complete decriminalization of abortion, but this is a huge step towards it and in the right direction. <br><br>This is a huge win for women everywhere. Many of us have been in similar situations and it’s just so great to see a win for once. <br><br>I post this here because I feel like the patriarchy is being brought down slowly but surely and we should be proud of that.