In Argentina where abortion is only authorised following rape or if the mother’s life is in danger, the debate on authorising abortion up to the twelfth week of pregnancy will begin on Tuesday in Parliament. This is the fifth time that this kind of draft law has been put to the vote. It has been taken up by a network of social organisations supported by MPs (69 out of 257 in Parliament), including several members of the party currently in power.
Today, the topic is hotly debated and controversial. Cristina Kirchner, the country’s President, is opposed to abortion legislation but “she has indicated that she would not oppose its veto if such a law were passed in Parliament”. 15 of the 31 MPs on the Criminal Legislation Committee are in favour of this draft bill. In the country, various organisations are highlighting their opposition. In this context, the MP who put forward a similar draft bill 20 years ago believes that “the conditions are not conducive” for decision-making.
In Latin America, two countries have authorised abortion up to the twelfth week of pregnancy: Cuba and Uruguay in October 2012.
AFP 04/11/2014