Argentina To Legalize Abortion After Historic Senate Vote
Early Wednesday after a marathon 12-hour session, Argentina’s Senate passed a law legalizing abortion.
The measure was passed with 38 votes in favor with 29 against and one abstention, after a session that began late Tuesday.
The vote now means that abortion will be legalized up to the 14th week of pregnancy, and also will be legal after that time in cases of rape or danger to the mother’s life. In all other circumstances, abortion is illegal and punishable by up to 15 years in jail, CBS News notes.
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It was already approved by Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies and has the support of President Alberto Fernández. The Senate vote was its final hurdle. Following the news, Fernández tweeted: “Safe, legal and free abortion is now the law,” adding “Today, we are a better society that expands women’s rights and guarantees public health.”
Videos posted online by abortion and woman rights advocates show the moment they burst out in cheers some even in tears as the big news finally came in.
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