Argentinian parliament passes Bill to legalise abortion

After an intense 22 hour-long debate and a very close vote, the Lower House of Argentina has approved the Bill to regulate abortion.

There were 129 votes in favour, 125 against and only one abstention, reflecting the division of positions that the country has maintained so far on this issue.

The spokespersons of the political groups have also pointed out the internal division of the parties while dealing with this historical discussion for the South American country.

The next step for the bill to legalise abortion is the Senate, where it can be approved in its entirety, approved with modifications or rejected.

FIRST 14 WEEKS

Abortion is currently illegal in Argentina, except in cases of rape or when the life or health of the woman is at risk.

If the law is approved, abortion will be permitted in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

DEMONSTRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

The vote has been preceded by mass demonstrations. The pro-life demonstrations, led by evangelical associations, entities and churches have been among the most crowded.

On Sunday, June 10, thousands of people returned to the streets of the capitals and main cities of each Argentinian province, for the third time in the last months.

EVANGELICALS AND 'SAVE TH TWO LIVES'

Under the motto “Save the Two Lives”, which have also been used by some deputies to express their voting intention, many asked the Parliament to reject the Bill, to improve public health, and to provide resources to help the poorest families.

Two rights are more rights, save the two lives, one pro-life campaign in Argentina said.

“The latest survey about abortion clearly shows that 60% of Argentinians want the implementation of public policies, sexual education, social aid for mothers in vulnerable condition and an adoption law that allows thousands of families to adopt, rather than the legalisation of abortion”, the Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches of Argentina (Aciera in Spanish) explained in a statement.