Abortion could soon be legal in Argentina

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After a 23-hour debate that lasted through the night, legislators in Argentina’s lower house of Congress passed a bill on Thursday to decriminalize abortion, sending the measure to the Senate.

Passing by a narrow margin of 129 to 125, the bill allows for abortions up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Currently, Argentine women are only allowed abortions in the case of rape or risks to their health.

If the bill is approved by the Senate, it will be a historical moment for women’s rights in a country – and continent – that is still heavily influenced by the Catholic Church.

Spurred by the Ni Una Menos, or “not one less,” movement in Argentina, activists have been campaigning for months to bring the issue of abortion and women’s rights to the legislative table. Starting two months before the debate, 700 people gave evidence to Congress.

Wearing distinctive green bandannas, activists argue that abortions are a public health issue, with many risking their lives to illegally terminate a pregnancy. According to the country’s Ministry of Health, half a million clandestine abortions are performed every year.

Their arguments swayed some lawmakers on Wednesday night, with some saying that despite their personal objections, they saw the need for women to have access to safe and legal abortions.

President Mauricio Macri has also urged his own party members to vote as they see fit, though he remains opposed to the motion. However, he has said that he will sign the bill if it is approved.

Many lawmakers remain conservative, with a variety of arguments against the motion. Deputy Alfredo Olmedo said the motion buried the future by “killing unborn children,” and proposed “the creation of a cemetery for the victims of abortions.”

Argentina’s bishops issued a statement on Thursday calling the results upsetting, but also pledged to take action. “This decision hurts us as Argentines…but the pain for abandonment and the exclusion of innocents must be transformed into strength and hope, to continue fighting for the dignity of all human life.”

All eyes are now on the Senate where 37 votes are needed to pass the measure. Local organization Economia Feminista has created a running tracker of how senators say they will vote. The current tally is extremely close with 28 in favor and 26 against.

Former President Cristina Kirchner recently said she would vote in favor of legalization, even though she did not allow for a vote on the issue during her entire eight years in office.

Argentina’s vote follows a May 25 referendum in Ireland which overwhelmingly voted in favor of repealing the country’s constitutional amendment, effectively making abortions legal.