Abortion legalized in Argentina

  • Argentina’s Congress legalised abortions up to the 14th week of pregnancy. 
  • It is being seen as a ground-breaking decision since Argentina had some of the world’s most restrictive abortion laws.
  • Prior to the passing of the bill, abortions were only permitted in cases of rape or when the woman’s health was at serious risk. 
  • Activists have been campaigning for years, calling for an overturning of this law that has been in existence since 1921.

IMPORTANCE 

  • Prior to this, girls and women were forced to turn to illegal and unsafe procedures because abortion was against the law in Argentina. 
  •  According to Human Rights Watch, unsafe abortion was the leading cause of maternal mortality in the country.
  • The Catholic Church and the evangelical community wield immense power and influence in Argentina and had strongly opposed the passing of this bill. 
  • The bill had been one of President Alberto Fernández’s campaign promises where he had said he would reintroduce it after it was rejected in 2018. 

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