Argentina's Abortion Rights Under Threat: A Struggle for Access and Equality

On December 30, five years ago, the Argentine parliament approved a landmark law legalizing voluntary termination of pregnancy, a significant step forward after over 15 years of activism and mobilization. The right to abortion has thus far empowered over 314,000 women to access safe and free abortions in the first four years, from 2021 to 2024. However, since 2023, the implementation of this law has faced increasing challenges under the administration of conservative President Javier Milei. Known for his anti-abortion stance, Milei has referred to abortion as 'aggravated murder by family ties' and his government has taken measures to undermine the progress made in women's reproductive rights by slashing funding and repealing policies crucial for sexual health services. Argentina became the fourth country in Latin America to legalize abortion in 2020, following Cuba, Uruguay, and Guyana, as well as certain states in Mexico. The successful campaign, symbolized by green handkerchiefs, has since inspired similar initiatives in Colombia and Mexico, where laws are typically restrictive. The law, officially known as Law No 27,610, was propelled into existence under the leadership of then-President Alberto Fernández of the Peronist party, legalizing abortion up to 14 weeks and in certain circumstances beyond that. However, as reported by various Argentine organizations and international NGOs, including Amnesty International, women continue to face mounting obstacles in accessing abortion services. Although Milei did not follow through on his campaign promise to hold a referendum for the law's repeal, his administration has enacted policies designed to render it less effective, claiming a need to cut governmental expenses. This year, the state provided 166,000 doses of misoprostol and combinations of mifepristone and misoprostol, essential for safe medical abortions, but starting in 2024, distribution was completely relinquished to the provinces. This change has created significant discrepancies in access, especially between wealthier regions and those governed by conservative leaders, leading to many women resorting to purchasing necessary medications at unaffordable prices. Additionally, Milei's government has halted the distribution of condoms, contraceptive medications, and pregnancy tests, even suspending funding for the National Plan for the Prevention of Unintended Pregnancies in Adolescents (ENIA), which had halved adolescent pregnancies from 2018 to 2021. The lack of informational campaigns surrounding abortion rights has rendered many women unaware of their options and rights regarding reproductive health. Organizations like the Equipo Latinoamericano de Igualdad y Género (ELA) have denounced the suspension of official data dissemination on voluntary termination of pregnancy. Until December 2023, the government regularly published this data; however, its absence now makes it challenging to illuminate the widespread challenges women face in accessing their rights to abortion. A report by CEDES, a research center, documented numerous cases of misinformation, attempts to dissuade women from exercising their rights, and reported mistreatment in several facilities, specifically in provinces like Santiago del Estero and Misiones, as well as in rural areas where access is particularly limited. The abortion debate in Argentina remains highly polarized. Mariela Belski, director of Amnesty International Argentina, argues that the situation reflects a broader trend where Argentina is being used as a testing ground for far-right policies aimed at diminishing women's rights globally. The government's promotion of events such as the 'Day of the Unborn Child' signifies the ongoing struggle surrounding women's reproductive rights. The repercussions of anti-abortion rhetoric and policies are starkly illustrated by the narrative within the Oscar-nominated Argentine film 'Belén,' which portrays the harrowing story of a young girl accused of murder after facing a miscarriage in 2014, leading to her imprisonment for three years. The situation has drawn criticism from various feminist and human rights groups, illustrating the urgent need for continued advocacy in the fight for safe and accessible abortion services in Argentina. As the challenges mount, the future of reproductive rights hangs in the balance, necessitating unwavering attention and action. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2