Concluding a 16-hour legislative session in the early hours of August 9, Argentina’s Senate rejected a bill to legalize abortion in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.
Lawmakers voted 38 against 31 in favor, despite opinion polls showing that the bill had strong public support.
While anti- bill advocates welcomed the results of the vote, female activists who supported the bill believed that the pressure from the Catholic church prevented its approval.
“The Church put pressure on Senators to vote against the bill,” said Ana Correa, an original member of the #NiUnaMenos (“Not one woman less”) feminist movement, as quoted by The Guardian.
Rejection of the bill means that abortion remains legal only in the case of rape and danger to the life of the woman.
“Just Keep Fighting... ”
Supporters of the bill voiced their opinions online and encouraged others to not give up.
“Well Done, Argentina... ”
Anti- bill advocates celebrated the decision and condemned those against it.
What are your views about this vote? Let us know in the comments section below.
(With inputs from The Guardian.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)