“It would be an irresponsible decision,” said Natalia Bernal, a law professor and abortion opponent. “It is only going to increase the amount of damage done to women.”

The court’s decision, which cannot be altered by other legal bodies, could come as early as Monday.

And it will stem not from a case brought by an abortion rights advocate, but from one brought by Ms. Bernal, who had sought a total ban.

A Colombian who lives in France, Ms. Bernal had asked the court to eliminate the few exceptions in existing Colombian law that allow for legal abortions. Instead, the court decided to consider broadly legalizing the practice.

The court’s decision to take on her case has intensified an already fierce debate in Colombia over the legal and moral implications of the procedure. In recent weeks, activists on both sides have descended on the capital, Bogotá, clashing over whether the state or individual women should decide when an abortion can be performed.

Colombia’s Constitutional Court has long been viewed as among the most liberal in the region, and in particular is known for broadly defining women’s rights. But its final decision in this case is far from certain.