Full Coverage: Central America

23.02.2005 There is heated debate in Mexico amongst scientists and the general public as to whether the introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops will contaminate local maize varieties. But this has not prevented the government from passing a new law to permit the planting of GM seeds.

15.02.2005 In Mexico, where half of the 100 million people are under the age of 24, three out of every 10 children are born to mothers under 20 years old. There are estimated to be more than 50,000 abortions a year among girls between 15 and 19, says former New York Times bureau chief and foreign correspondent Barbara Crossette.

08.02.2005 An overwhelming majority of the Guatemalan congress recently approved a law to reduce drug costs for its population by allowing greater competition from generic drug companies. The U.S. trade representative wants the law repealed, saying it is holding up his government's plans to move forward on a free trade agreement with Central America.

07.02.2005 "I was tortured for twenty-four hours, and in that time who I was, who I had been for 31 years, died...At what point will we say no? At what point will we distinguish ourselves from the American in the prison where I was tortured who had the power to save dozens of Guatemalans but shut the door on their screams?" asks Sister Dianna Ortiz.

07.02.2005 A U.S. group called the Minuteman project is calling for volunteers--especially those with law enforcement or military experience--for a month-long tour of duty near the Mexican border to help U.S. officials track down and "catch" undocumented immigrants. The project says they are drawing attention to the problem of illegal immigration, others say they are simply armed white supremacists.