Argentina abortion president alberto fernandez proposes legalisation

On June 11, 2020, Argentine President Alberto Fernández announced that he would be proposing a bill to legalize abortion in the country. This move comes after years of activism and debate on the issue, and marks a significant shift in the country's stance on reproductive rights.

Argentina has a complex history when it comes to abortion. While it was previously illegal in most cases, a 2018 ruling by the Supreme Court allowed for abortion in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is at risk. However, this ruling did not provide a clear framework for legalizing abortion in other circumstances.

President Fernández's proposal aims to change this by introducing a bill that would allow women to access safe and legal abortions up to the 14th week of pregnancy. The bill would also provide for exceptions in cases of fetal malformation or when the mother's life is at risk.

The proposal has been met with both support and opposition from various groups. Pro-choice advocates have hailed the move as a major step forward for women's rights, while anti-abortion groups have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the country's moral fabric.

The Catholic Church, which has historically been opposed to abortion, has also spoken out against the proposal. In a statement, the Argentine Episcopal Conference said that the bill "violates the fundamental right to life" and would "put the lives of many women and children at risk."

Despite the controversy, President Fernández has remained committed to his proposal. In a speech to the nation, he argued that the bill is necessary to ensure that women have access to safe and legal healthcare, and to reduce the number of unsafe abortions that occur in the country each year.

The proposal is now being debated in the Argentine Congress, where it is expected to face opposition from conservative lawmakers. However, with the support of many progressive lawmakers and advocacy groups, there is hope that the bill will ultimately pass and become law.

If passed, Argentina would become the first country in Latin America to legalize abortion through a national law, rather than a court ruling. The move would also put pressure on other countries in the region to reconsider their own laws on abortion.

Overall, President Fernández's proposal marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate about reproductive rights in Argentina and beyond. While there are still many challenges to overcome, the move represents a major step forward for women's rights and a recognition of the importance of access to safe and legal healthcare.