Argentina’s MPS in the lower house made a historical decision, allowing women to have a free, safe, and legal abortion until the 14th week of pregnancy.
In fact, the debate is not abortion yes or abortion no, said the supporters. The debate is legal abortion or clandestine abortion in Argentina. That is a public health problem, which was resolved after 20 hours of discussion.
The Lower House approved the bill for the voluntary termination of pregnancy with 131 votes in favour, 117 votes against, and six abstentions. The bill sent by President Alberto Fernandez allows the woman to have a free, safe, and legal abortion until the 14th week of pregnancy.
The new rule also establishes that the health workers may not delay over 10 days between the moment a woman requests the termination of pregnancy and the execution of the clinical procedure.
Argentina’s women welcome the new abortion bill
Over a century, Argentine law punishes abortion with a prison sentence of up to four years in jail. In cases of rape and risk to the mother’s health, the abortion was allowed.
In 2018, the Lower House approved a bill for voluntary termination of pregnancy, but the Senate rejected it.
For 100 years, abortions happen for multiple reasons across the country. Now, resolving this issue in favour of women implies that all have access to safe abortion.
In Argentina, over 300,000 clandestine abortions are performed each year and nearly 40,000 women have to be hospitalized for complications derived from them.
