Abortion rights advocates in the Latin American country of Argentina claimed victory as the country’s Senate approved a law that will legalize abortion in a primarily Catholic country.
The Argentinian Senate voted 38-29 in favor of the new law supported by President Alberto Fernandez.
Upon announcement of its approval, huge crowds of abortion advocates, all carrying green-colored flags that represent the pro-abortion movement, erupted in loud and even tearful jubilation in what many called a historic vote for legal abortion.
Both pro- and anti-abortion supporters, which uses the color blue ro represent the “save both lives” movement, gathered outside of the Argentine National Congress building while waiting for the result, some of which had camped out the night before.
The law will legalize abortion in all cases up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Abortion in Argentina, South America’s third-most populous country, is allowed under limited conditions such as pregnancies borne out of rape or if the pregnancy poses dangers to the life and health of the woman.
The new law will also allow 13- to 16-year-olds with normal pregnancies gain access to abortion services even without the presence of a guardian. However, doctors asked to perform the abortion can opt to “conscientiously object,” although the law allows those seeking abortion to find another doctor.