In a historic move, Argentina has legalised abortion on demand up to the 14th week of pregnancy in a change to the law that has been praised by human-rights groups and feminist activists. The move has however been condemned by religious figures and conservative elements within the Latin American country.
The new law, which overturns the previous abortion laws that were first put in place in 1921, was passed in the Argentine senate with 38 votes in favour and 29 against, 1 individual abstained. It had been presented and supported by centre-left president Alberto Fernández.
Up until this point, an abortion could only be performed in Argentina if the mother's health was at risk or if the woman was a victim of rape or incest.
The law change comes after years of campaigning by women's groups. There had been significant street demonstrations in the year leading up to the change in the law as part of the 'green-wave', which involved a huge number of women wearing green to show their support for the liberalisation of the laws.
President Fernández tweeted after the law was passed:
"Today, we're a better society, which widens women's rights and guarantees public health."
It is believed that as many as 3,000 Argentine women have died as a result of illegal abortions since the restoration of democracy in Argentina in 1981, in which the country was ruled by an ultra-right-wing military Junta. It is now hoped that these new laws will guarantee that more women do not suffer the same fate, or the fate of an unwanted pregnancy.
Vilma Ibarra, a politician who backed the new law, told reporters:
"Never again will there be a woman killed in a clandestine abortion."
Inés Blas, a senator who opposed the law change, said:
"The interruption of a pregnancy is a tragedy. It abruptly ends another developing life."
Abortion is outlawed in almost all circumstances in almost every country in Latin America. With the exception of Argentina, the only other countries in Latin America which allow abortion on demand are Cuba, Uruguay, Guyana and areas of Mexico. In countries such as El Salvador and Nicaragua, abortions are banned under all circumstances, including rape, incest and the underlying health concerns of the woman carrying the unborn child.
It is believed that as the green-wave has had such success in Argentina, a wind of change may now sweep Latin America and other countries will be changing their abortion laws, particularly in places such as Brazil and Chile where there is already an ongoing debate regarding the issue.
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