Robot babies cry, burp at Mexican teens High school students in the Mexican state of Chihuahua are being made to care for screaming, hiccuping baby dolls that run on computer chips to try to bring down the state's soaring teenage pregnancy rate. Pairs of teen-age boys and girls aged 13 to 17 have to spend two or three days tending to the computerized babies. 18-3-2007

Abortion now legal in Mexico City
Last week the Legislative Assembly of Mexico City voted 46-19 to legalize abortion up to the first trimester of pregnancy. The initiative was the first of its kind in the country and a forefront over other state legislatures. It was voted by five leftist political parties; opposition came from rightist Green and National Action parties. 12-5-2007

Sex-changes in Cuba no-cost, like all health care
Cuba's National Assembly of Popular Power has agreed to discuss making sex-reassignment surgery free of cost to all 'transexuales' on the island who request it. The entire public health care system in Cuba is free of charge. 18-3-2007

Shibuya's sleazy happening bars offer chaotic, erotic action at bargain prices
"Are you sure this place is all right?" Sayaka whispers nervously. Sayaka's reaction to this out-of-the-way club in Tokyo's Shibuya district, located in the corner of a nondescript building off Miyamasuzaka Street, may be understandable. She's never been to a "happening bar" before, and this place looks, well, sleazy. 17-7-2007

10 percent of Japanese men in their 40s still virgins
Haruka is a 38-year-old temporary employment agency worker. She met her 41-year-old boyfriend through an online matchmaking site. Judging by his e-mail, he seemed to be kind and was certainly mature. 17-7-2007

MEXICO CARIBBEAN CENTRAL AMERICA SOUTH AMERICA BRAZIL