Argentina's Senate on Wednesday legalized abortion up to the 14th week of pregnancy, a controversial landmark bill hailed by pro-choice activists but condemned by religious groups in the predominantly Catholic country.
The measure was approved after a 12-hour debate early morning in a 38 to 29 vote, with one abstention. The Senate building was surrounded by both opponents and supporters chanting slogans.
BREAKING: Argentina’s Senate passes a law legalizing abortion, a victory for the women’s movement that has been fighting for the right for decades. https://t.co/4Cx7PhW8Tg
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) December 30, 2020
President Alberto Fernandez had earlier promised to sign the bill into law.
''Safe, legal and free abortion is the law. I promised to do so on election campaign days. Today we are a better society that expands rights to women and guarantees public health...,'' he said on Twitter after the vote.
Backed by dozens of religious organizations, thousands of anti-abortionists in Argentina have held ''March for the unborn'' and ''Save both lives'' demonstrations against the bill since November.
Argentina Makes Abortion Legal After Decades-Long Campaign by Feminist Movement https://t.co/RdDNPxnav8
— #TuckFrump (@realTuckFrumper) December 30, 2020
Early December, the Chamber of Deputies voted 131 to 117 (6 abstentions) to approve the bill.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
