After 12 hours of deliberation, Argentina became the largest Latin American country to legalize elective abortions on December 30. This came two years after a failed attempt by pro-choice activists to pass a similar law. Prior to the passing of the bill, abortions were only legal in cases that pr
We did it sisters : Argentina Senate votes to legalize abortion by Reuters
Wednesday, 30 December 2020 09:36 GMT
Demonstrators in favour of legalizing abortion react after the senate passed an abortion bill, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, December 30, 2020. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
About our Women coverage We focus on stories that help to empower women and bring lasting change to gender inequality
Share:
(Adds comment from President Alberto Fernandez, bill s author, words from those opposing bill)
By Nicolás Misculin
BUENOS AIRES, Dec 30 (Reuters) - Argentina s Senate voted on Wednesday to legalize abortion, a first for a big country in Latin America and a triumph for women s rights campaigners achieved over the visceral objection of the Catholic Church.
from AlterNet
Thursday, Dec 31, 2020 Thousands of women gathered in Buenos Aires erupted with joy early Wednesday after Argentina s Senate voted to approve legislation that would legalize abortion, the culmination of a years-long grassroots fight for reproductive rights in the Latin American nation. The bill permitting elective abortions up to the 14th week of a pregnancy passed by a vote of 38 to 29, and President Alberto Fernández has vowed to sign the measure into law a move that would make Argentina the largest Latin American country to scrap its strict anti-choice laws. News of the vote was met with jubilant celebration among those who rallied in Argentina s capital city in support of the legalization bill. As The Guardian reported, Women screamed with delight, sweeping their friends into tight hugs and jumping in ecstasy. Many wept tears of joy. Victory music kicked in and green smoke filled the air. A triumphant message flashed up on a big screen above th
Share on Twitter
Latin America has long been hostile terrain for abortion rights advocates, even in recent decades as legal abortion became accessible in most of Europe, North America and other parts of the world.
But a grassroots feminist movement claimed a victory in Argentina on Wednesday when the Senate legalized abortion in a surprisingly resounding vote - making Argentina the first large country in Latin America to take that step.
Here are some of the forces behind the push for change in Argentina, and some of the questions it raises.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The women’s rights movement has taken on new urgency across Latin America in the past few years, nowhere more so than in Argentina.