- Title: Rival abortion protesters rally in Buenos Aires as issue divides Argentina
- Date: 9th August 2019
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PROTESTER AGAINST LEGALISED ABORTION, MARCELA ERRECALDE, SAYING: "What happened here inspired many, we never imagined there would be so many. In fact, there are several countries that are reconsidering the idea that abortion is a right, like the United States, Spain, France. It was not just a moment in time for Argentina but a positive result for all of us, it's helped other countries to be filled with courage to face down this legislation, to keep working to avoid it." VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS FOR LEGALISED ABORTION GATHERED AND CHANTING PLACARD THAT READS (Spanish) "100% LEGAL ABORTION" PROTESTERS GATHERED (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PROTESTER FOR LEGALISED ABORTION, CELESTE FIERRO, SAYING: "We have to remember that on June 13 something happened that was almost incredible for our country (renewed debate amongst lawmakers for legalised abortion bill). This happened against the anti-rights backdrop of August 08 that ended in favour of clandestine abortions, in favour of the deaths of women and those who are pregnant. I think the fight that started last year is significant because it doesn't just stop there. In fact, together it's reflected in each mobilisation, in each struggle, with the green flag that has become an emblem of our struggle."
- Embargoed: 23rd August 2019 03:55
- Keywords: anniversary Argentina women abortion legalised abortion activists protest lawmakers Buenos Aires
- Location: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
- City: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
- Country: Argentina
- Topics: Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA004ARHXOP3
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:About 1,500 Argentines took to the streets of Buenos Aires on Thursday (August 8) to mark the first anniversary of a failed bill to legalise abortion in the country, with rival protests celebrating and denouncing the move.
In August 2018, Argentine senators rejected a bill to legalise abortion, pushing back against a groundswell of support from a surging abortion rights movement. Current Argentine law only permits abortions in cases of rape, or if the mother's health is at risk.
Outside the country's Congress, protesters gathered to celebrate restrictions to abortions in the country.
But for those in favour of legalised abortion, it was a day to step up their movement. Argentina's legalised abortion movement, backed by feminist groups galvanised in recent years to stop violence against women, argue that a bill on the issue would end unregulated abortions that government data show as the leading cause of maternal deaths.
There are at least 350,000 illegal abortions in Argentina every year, the Ministry of Health estimates, though international human rights groups say the number may be higher.
In May, lawmakers presented a new bill to Congress to legalise abortion.
(Production: Miguel Lo Bianco, Claudia Martini) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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