Argentina braces for crucial vote

Pro-abortion activists optimistic about Bill despite poor forecast

BUENOS AIRES: Argentine lawmakers faces a crucial vote to decide whether or not to legalise abortion amidst fiercely polarised campaigns for and against the proposed Bill.

Last week, the Senate approved the text for the Bill, which was originally passed by Congress’ lower house in June by the narrowest of margins.

This time, though, it is widely expected to fall short of the votes necessary to pass into law, with 37 of the 72 senators said to be ready to say no despite a massive social campaign to have it adopted.

Despite projections and strong opposition from the highly influential Catholic Church in the homeland of Pope Francis, campaigners are not giving up hope.

“We’re doing everything so that the initiative passes. We have faith in the street movement,” leading campaigner Julia Martino said yesterday.

“We believe many senators will show their support when the vote happens.”

Currently, abortion is allowed in Argentina in only three cases, similar to most of Latin America: rape, a threat to the mother’s life or if the foetus is disabled.

If passed, the Bill would legalise abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy and see Argentina join Uruguay and Cuba as the only countries in the region to fully decriminalise it.

It is also legal in Mexico City. Only in the Central American trio of El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua is it still totally banned.

With the tide seemingly flowing against legalisation, pro-abortion groups tried to amend the Bill to reduce from 14 to 12 weeks the period in which it would be permitted, but that move failed.

What activists can count on, though, is huge support from citizens.

In preparation for the big day, protesters wearing their now symbolic green scarves began a vigil at midnight on Tuesday in front of Congress, due to last until the announcement of the vote result.

Other demonstrations will take place around the world in front of Argentine diplomatic missions.

In mid-June, the lower house voted in favour by just 129 to 125, thanks in part to the nonetheless pro-life liberal President Mauricio Macri’s insistence in pushing the Bill through parliament.

Pro-abortionists insist this is a question of social justice, public health and women’s rights.

Various charities have estimated that 500,000 illegal, secret abortions are carried out yearly in Argentina, resulting in around 100 deaths.

But the anti-abortionists are not lacking support and are planning their own protests under the banner “Let’s save both lives”.

We’re doing everything so that the initiative passes. We have faith in the street movement. Julia Martino