Argentina Legalizes Abortion

Misbar has discovered that Argentina's Senate approved a bill with a 38-29 vote to legalize abortion in the Catholic-majority country according to CNN.com. Massive crowds of abortion rights activists and anti-abortion campaigners gathered outside the Palace of the Argentine National Congress to await the results.

According to TheGuardian.com, Argentina is now the largest Latin American country to legalize abortion. The bill, which legalizes terminations in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, was approved by Argentina’s lower house earlier this month after being put to congress by the country’s leftwing president, Alberto Fernández. After the vote, the President tweeted, “safe, legal, and free abortion is now the law.” 

Prior to the bill passing, abortion was only legal in Argentina if the mother's life was jeopardized or if the pregnancy was a result of rape. Women who fell outside those provisions and get an abortion could face criminal charges according to NPR.com. Pope Francis, who was born in Buenos Aires, has previously voiced his opposition to the legislation, equating abortion to hiring "a hitman." Supporters have continued to wear green leading up to the Senate and lower house votes. Those who oppose the legislation have protested while wearing blue.

Argentina's legalization of abortion up to the 14th week of pregnancy was a groundbreaking move for the conservative region.