PRESS RELEASE: Argentina legalises abortion in landmark vote

The new bill, which permits abortions up until the 14th week of pregnancy, faced 12 hours of heated debate in the Senate, reflecting months of national division on the issue.

It passed in the early morning:
38 In favour
29 Against
1 abstention

A 2018 bill, identical to the one passed today, failed 31 to 38 with two senators abstaining.

The grassroots movement sprang up again six months later, following the case of an 11-year-old-girl who was impregnated through rape and denied a request for an abortion.

What an extraordinary way to exit 2020! this is a victory for human rights. Safe, legal, local abortion much be recognised as a necessary component of every woman health.

We extend our congratulations, love and solidarity to tireless campaigners in Argentina. VIVA activism


Kerry Abel, Chair of the Abortion Rights Campaign in the UK said:

‘It’s been a long time coming for pro-choice campaigners in Argentina. Their green handkerchiefs marked a significant shift in society, that forced a national conversation about women’s rights.

‘We know how hard it is so we want to congratulate them for their efforts and offer our solidarity for the campaign to ensure access to abortion is widely available.’