Mexico City, Mexico - The Roman Catholic Church on Sunday called on doctors in Mexico City not to perform abortions and lamented the city's decision to legalize the procedure in the first three months of pregnancy.
The church has vowed to continue its anti-abortion campaign even though it is under investigation for possibly violating Mexican laws forbidding the church's participation in politics.
Mexico City officials have said doctors at city-run hospitals cannot refuse to perform abortions based on personal moral objection.
But in a letter read at Sunday Mass, Cardinal Norberto Rivera said they could.
"We call on all of those of good conscience not to be responsible for the abominable act," the letter stated.
A diocese spokesman has said doctors and nurses who performed abortions and lawmakers who supported the legalization will be excommunicated.
Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard, said he would not be deterred by the church's statements.
"We are in the 21st century, not the 16th," Ebrard said.