History in Argentina: Abortions – Legal

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After a lengthy civil struggle, the Argentine Senate this morning (Wednesday) approved a change in the law allowing abortions until the 14th week of pregnancy. The historic decision was made around 4 a.m., with a majority of 38 supporters against 29 opponents and one abstention.
With the announcement of the law’s approval, civil and civilian celebrations supporting the move broke out. Outside the congress hall, many activities awaited that cheered happily upon the decision. The Guardian reported that the caption: “We did it” was projected on a large screen above the jubilant crowd.

The change was proposed by President Alberto Fernandez, who later tweeted: “Safe and free abortion is now a law. Today we are a better society, expanding women’s rights.”

The struggle to change the law has known obstacles in the past. In a vote in 2018, the law fell and caused a great stir among the public. Supporters of the law argued that the amendment was necessary in order to eradicate the illegal abortions, which are carried out in the dark and in conditions that endanger the woman. According to previously published government data, the leading cause of death for pregnant women (maternal mortality) in the country is illegal abortions, the number of which is estimated at about 350,000 per year.

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