The Fall of Argentina

Alireza Ghazi-Torbati

Alireza Ghazi-Torbati

Since 2005, la Campaña Nacional por el Derecho al Aborto Legal, Seguro y Gratuito (The National Campaign for the Right to Legal, Safe and Free Abortion) has introduced seven bills to the Argentinian Congress, edging closer to their goal to legalize abortion in 2018 with attempt number 7. The bill gained the Chamber of Deputies’ support but failed to pass in the Senate. Moreover, the government did not support the proposal, and the Catholic church presented strong opposition.

2020 was a different story. The new President, Alberto Fernández, under pressure to fulfill his campaign promise, introduced the bill to Congress in November. At last, after 15 years, abortion advocates had almost completed their mission.

It was on December 30th, 2020 that another tragic day for preborn children came upon the world. The Senate approved a bill legalizing abortion up to 14 weeks, 38-29, with one abstention.

The legislature in Argentina, a strongly Catholic country, has opened the floodgates for more abortions. More deaths of unborn children. More pain for the mothers and fathers who will be seeking help but find nothing but abortion.

All hope is not lost, however. While the legislature has failed preborn children, the judiciary (the courts) presents an opportunity to save the day. Mara Mockevich, an attorney and spokeswoman for Human Life International, has said that they are “now relying on the courts rather than lawmakers” to overturn the law. A judge, Marta Aucar, blocked the law in the province of Chaco, deeming it unconstitutional.

The pro-life movement in Argentina will need increased support in the coming months and years. Thankfully, there are plenty of organizations working hard to mold the law back into its former self, promoting abortion bans, as well as supporting pregnant mothers and their preborn children. For example, Pro-Life Argentina Human Life International, and 40 Days for Life, are just a few of these life-affirming organizations among others. You can even find several prayer vigils throughout Argentina by searching the map on 40 Day for Life. Pregnancy help organizations also exist in Argentina which offer support to pregnant and parenting women.

There is a big fight ahead which will (hopefully) lead to a day of celebration when abortion is abolished in Argentina, restoring a culture of life to the country.

+ posts

Alireza is a Christian from the UK. Currently on a gap year, he will study Law at Exeter University from September 2020.

The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Human Defense Initiative.

Alireza Ghazi-Torbati

Alireza Ghazi-Torbati

COMMENTARY

NATIONAL

INTERNATIONAL