Mexico City, Mexico (LifeNews.com) -- The leaders of the Catholic Church in Mexico said the recent decision by the Mexico Supreme Court to uphold the law approved in the federal district to allow abortions up to 12 weeks into pregnancy is not a defeat but an opportunity pro-life advocates to increase their activities to protect unborn children.

On Thursday, the nation’s high court affirmed the constitutionality of the Mexico City legislative assembly to pass the law even though the national constitution protect the right to life of unborn children.

Pro-life groups worry the decision will expand abortion elsewhere in Latin America and that other nations will join those like Cuba and Guyana in allowing abortions.

Bishop Carlos Aguiar Retes of Texcoco talked with the Zenit news service and said he considers the decision a “challenge” for pro-life advocates there to increase their activities.“We need a greater social conscience on the culture of life and the rights of the newly conceived,” he said.

"In the first place, we must articulate and organize ourselves to clarify to society and its agencies the concepts in all the aspects and dimensions -- ethical, cultural, medical, anthropological, social and juridical,” he explained.

"In the second place, as soon as we begin to generate a social conscience, the latter must see to it that politicians legislate according to society's view and to truth,” he told Zenit.The Catholic leader also told Zenit that he appreciates the courage the three judges in the minority showed by going against the grain.

"It isn't easy to go against the majority and they were able to hold their position in a very dignified way,” he said. "Moreover, they truly decided on their vote, going to the heart of the matter, that is, that there is human life from the moment of fertilization.”

The Mexican bishops released a statement entitled “The Culture of Life for Mexico” urging pro-life people to proclaim that human life is a gift and a right that we must always appreciate, care for and protect.”

They also urged Mexican legislators to beef up protections for unborn children in light of the Supreme Court’s decision.

“The decision taken by the Supreme Court clearly shows what task faces society and lawmakers in ensuring that the Constitution of our country explicitly recognizes the rights of the unborn, which is a fundamental element for the strengthening of the culture of life,” they said.

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