Abortion in Argentina: Senate narrowly rejects legalisation

Anti-abortion campaigners have been celebrating their narrow victory this week in Argentina – after the country’s senate defeated a bill which would have legalised terminations during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

After a 17-hour debate which went on until the early hours of Thursday morning, the bill was defeated by 38 to 31 votes. As the result was declared, some pro-choice campaigners clashed with police – while supporters of legal abortion said a new generation of young women had been mobilised. Despite opinion polls suggesting strong public support for a change in the law, it means abortion will remain legal only in cases involving rape or where the mother’s life is at risk.