Argentina has become the first big country in Latin America to legalise abortion following a landmark vote. Until now, women in the country were only granted an abortion if they had been raped or if there was a health risk for the mother.

But activists argued even these exceptions were not respected in some provinces. It forced thousands of women into dangerous clandestine procedures for which they could be penalised, or worse, suffer major health complications or death.

The Senate passed the law on Wednesday in a landmark victory for women’s rights activists who have been fighting for decades to legalise abortion in Pope Francis’ native country, where the Catholic Church has long held cultural and political sway.

It was passed at 4am with 38 votes in favour, 29 against and one abstention, following a lengthy 12-hour debate which started at 4pm on Tuesday.

Activists gathered outside congress in the capital Buenos Aires cheering, crying, hugging and waving green flags representing the country’s pro-choice movement.

Green smoke rose in the dawn light above the crowd. One emotional activist in the crowd said: ‘It changes everything now for millions of women. This is health – public health.

‘This is not a question of morals, it’s not a question of ethics, it’s a question of health and because of this, thousands of lives will be saved.’ President Alberto Fernández, who had pledged to support abortion rights during last year’s election, tweeted: ‘Safe, legal and free abortion is now the law.





‘Today, we are a better society that expands women’s rights and guarantees public health,’ he added. Monica Macha, a lawmaker with the president’s centre-left ruling coalition, tweeted: ‘We did it sisters. We made history. We did it together. There are no words for this moment, it passes through the body and the soul.’

The measure means abortion will be legal up to week 14 of pregnancy and will be permitted after that time in the cases of rape or danger to the mother’s life.

Argentina’s move is likely to have a ripple effect across Latin America where the vote was being watched closely by other Catholic stronghold countries.

Across the whole of South America, abortion is currently legal only in neighbouring Uruguay. Cuba, Guyana, the Antilles, and some areas of Mexico such as Oaxaca state and Mexico City are the only other exceptions in Latin America.

The new legislation was passed by Argentina’s lower house earlier this month – but the outcome of the vote had remained uncertain as legislators were given the freedom to vote as they wish.

A previous abortion Bill was voted down by politicians in 2018, but this time it was backed by the centre-left government Just hours before the Senate session began, Pope Francis weighed into the debate taking part in his home country, as anti-abortion demonstrators set up an altar and crucifix under a blue tent.

The Pope tweeted: ‘The Son of God was born an outcast, in order to tell us that every outcast is a child of God. He came into the world as each child comes into the world, weak and vulnerable, so that we can learn to accept our weaknesses with tender love.’

Supporters said the Bill seeks to eradicate the clandestine abortions that have caused more than 3,000 deaths in the country since 1983, according to figures from authorities.

Source: https://metro.co.uk/2020/12/30/argentina-legalises-abortion-in-historic-vote-13823945/

Women should be given the right(s) to choose whats best for them.

Soul actually enters the foetus at birth. Hence, terminating a pregnancy (when safe to do so) doesn't amount to taking a life. I'm not in support of it though, but lets get the facts straight.

backbone503:
Women should be given the right(s) to choose whats best for them.

Soul actually enters the foetus at birth. Hence, terminating a pregnancy (when safe to do so) doesn't amount to taking a life. I'm not in support of it though, but lets get the facts straight.

U are entitled to ur own opinion but as fr me I see a very big risk in legalizing abortion

Good for them

Smony:
Assuming ur mother abort you, you fr no dey her dey tap nonsense

Sir, this is a public forum. What you said goes against the rules

2. Don't abuse, bully, deliberately insult/provoke, fight, or wish harm to Nairaland members OR THEIR TRIBES.

They can't even wait to commit abortion... Look at how happy they are.... SMH!

people happily looking forward to committing sin.
life really no balance

[s]

backbone503:
Women should be given the right(s) to choose whats best for them.

Soul actually enters the foetus at birth. Hence, terminating a pregnancy (when safe to do so) doesn't amount to taking a life. I'm not in support of it though, but lets get the facts straight.

[/s]

YOU ARE A WICKED LIAR AND A DECEIVER!
"Soul enters the foetus at birth"? THE NERVE!

How come babies react to voices and sounds of music in the womb?
As long as there's a heartbeat, THERE'S A SOUL!

Abortion is murder

Lamasta:
Abortion is murder

And giving birth to bastards in the society is a father.

SUPERPACK:
And giving birth to bastards in the society is a father.

It doesn't change the fact that abortion is murder now

backbone503:
Women should be given the right(s) to choose whats best for them.

Soul actually enters the foetus at birth. Hence, terminating a pregnancy (when safe to do so) doesn't amount to taking a life. I'm not in support of it though, but lets get the facts straight.

The soul is united with the body at birth? how's this a fact?

Won't it be ironical that the same people who support abortion today will be the ones calling for heads of murderers in the society tomorrow.

I can only support abortion on the grounds of health related issues. Put on a condom if you don't plan to have kids, it's very simple.

SUPERPACK:
And giving birth to bastards in the society is a father.

Put on a condom. It's cheap and sometimes free.

Argentina is cursed nation. Since they legalise same sex marriage I know destruction has come upon them. Rom1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Very wrong perception. Stop misleading the naive ones. Man is whole; spirit, body and mind right from the moment of conception and not until a child is born. Abortion is taking life.

backbone503:
Women should be given the right(s) to choose whats best for them.

Soul actually enters the foetus at birth. Hence, terminating a pregnancy (when safe to do so) doesn't amount to taking a life. I'm not in support of it though, but lets get the facts straight.

This life is strong....

Chai, see how low humans have gotten themselves

francdec4:
Very wrong perception. Stop misleading the naive ones. Man is whole; spirit, body and mind right from the moment of conception and not until birth. Abortion is taking life.

This remains your opinion, and you're well entitled to it.

Humanoid01:

The soul is united with the body at birth? how's this a fact?

Soul enters the body the moment the babies cries. Let me ask you a question: what do you understand by "stillbirth"?

mariahAngel:
[s][/s]

YOU ARE A WICKED LIAR AND A DECEIVER!
"Soul enters the foetus at birth"? THE NERVE!

How come babies react to voices and sounds of music in the womb?
As long as there's a heartbeat, THERE'S A SOUL!

You just aired your view. But you called me names for doing same. This just shows how shadow, immature and unintelligent you're. When in public space, learn to hear (you need not accept it) others opinion and also present yours constructively. Thats all I have for you.

Smony:
U are entitled to ur own opinion but as fr me I see a very big risk in legalizing abortion

Since its now legal, hospitals can now comfortable carry them out.

[s]

backbone503:
Women should be given the right(s) to choose whats best for them.

Soul actually enters the foetus at birth. Hence, terminating a pregnancy (when safe to do so) doesn't amount to taking a life. I'm not in support of it though, but lets get the facts straight.

[/s]


Don't try too hard to justify what is wrong by proclaiming falsehood, a foetus already has a soul when it is fully formed and has a heartbeat, that is why it moves/kicks/feeds on its own.

mariahAngel:
[s][/s]

YOU ARE A WICKED LIAR AND A DECEIVER!
"Soul enters the foetus at birth"? THE NERVE!

How come babies react to voices and sounds of music in the womb?
As long as there's a heartbeat, THERE'S A SOUL!

Please spare him. Abortion is done when the foetus is simply bloody and without form. Babies start reacting in their 6th month and I'm sure no one can abort such.

[s]

backbone503:


Soul enters the body the moment the babies cries. Let me ask you a question: what do you understand by "stillbirth"?

[/s]


You're still not making sense, Stillbirth is the loss of a baby before or after birth, what has that got to do with your false narrative?

Biglittlelois:
[s][/s]


Don't try too hard to justify what is wrong by proclaiming falsehood, a foetus already has a soul when it is fully formed and has a heartbeat, that is why it moves/kicks/feeds on its own.

Abortion happens when it's not fully formed ND without an heartbeat. Nigerians and unnecessary sentiment fueled by blind religion. Why can't we be objective and rational?

SweetCunt97:
Abortion happens when it's not fully formed ND without an heartbeat. Nigerians and unnecessary sentiment fueled by blind religion. Why can't we be objective and rational?

The bolded has got to be a joke right? Or you want to pretend people don't abort at 1 to 6 months when the foetus has a heartbeat?

The next time you want to quote me, keep your sentimental hatred/dislike for religion to yourself, and comment sensibly.

P.S a baby is not fully formed/developed until it reaches the 9th month, so what the hell are you saying?

[s]

SweetCunt97:
Please spare him. Abortion is done when the foetus is simply bloody and without form. Babies start reacting in their 6th month and I'm sure no one can abort such.

[/s]


Keep your falsehood to yourself next time.

Ok oMay while, enjoy our cruise boat service for your vacation and relaxation with your love ones, friends and family.

backbone503:


Soul enters the body the moment the babies cries. Let me ask you a question: what do you understand by "stillbirth"?

Stillbirth defines the death of a baby before or during delivery. It actually occurs after twenty weeks of pregnancy, which is approximately after five months. What exactly is your point?

daviesmania:
They can't even wait to commit abortion... Look at how happy they are.... SMH!

GIdiata:
people happily looking forward to committing sin.

life really no balance

you really think women are going to deliberately get pregnant just so they can experience having abortions?

I respect your diverse opinions, though I accept them not. I'd have loved to respond to some mentions and continue this discourse by bring forward some more salient facts to further broaden our horizon on the subject matter. However, looking at the calibre of people on this thread; its just not worth it.