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The result was completely uncertain beforehand. Before tonight’s final debate, 33 of the country’s senators had voiced their support for the bill, while 32 had spoken against it. Several senators were still undecided, paving the way for an exciting resolution. At 8.15 am Swedish time, it was clear that 38 members voted in favor, 29 against and one decided to abstain.
Argentina thus becomes the third country in Latin America to legalize abortion after Uruguay and Cuba.
President’s support
This is not the first time that abortion rights have been debated in the country. The issue has been the subject of discussion several times in recent years and as recently as 2018, an equivalent proposal fell in the Senate with votes 38 to 31.
When Argentina’s current center-left president Alberto Fernández took office just over a year ago, he vowed to once again try to push for legalization, which has now become a reality.
The bill was approved by the lower house of Parliament as early as December, and the Senate thus had the final and decisive vote.
The Catholic Church is fundamental
The proposal has received harsh criticism from the Catholic Church and various right-wing Christian groups, while women’s rights activists have been campaigning for legalization for several years.
The defenders and opponents of the abortion law have adopted different colors: yes, the side has worn green shawls while the opponents have dressed in light blue. Thousands of protesters had gathered in front of the parliament before the vote to show their support for each side.
