Argentina’s Senate is set to vote on a broad legalization of abortion, which would make the country of 45 million by far the largest in Latin America to approve the procedure.
Passage of a bill permitting elective abortion up to the 14th week of pregnancy would be a win for women’s rights groups in a country where the procedure is allowed only when a pregnancy results from rape or when a women’s life is at risk. The vote in the Senate could come as early as Tuesday, and would follow the lower house’s approval earlier this month. The legalization of abortion in Argentina could have ramifications throughout Latin America. Though elective abortions are permitted in Cuba, Uruguay and Guyana, most countries in Latin America regulate it as Argentina does, while a handful have an outright ban. Well-organized abortion-rights movements in countries including Colombia and Chile are looking to Argentina for inspiration and momentum as their societies increasingly grow more socially liberal.
“We believe this is going to have an impact on the region,” said Vilma Ibarra, a legal counsel for President Alberto Fernández who is spearheading the effort to win approval.
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Harrison Okafor
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Judith is a believer, a lover of Christ and a Gospel freak person. A passionate gospel blogger and press writer. I work with GospelHitsNaija.net Media, no 1 Gospel music platform.
