The law recently enacted on the voluntary termination of pregnancy in Argentina suffered a first setback, Thursday, January 28, in the northern province of Chaco, where a judge decided to suspend it following a complaint filed by a conservative group.
Judge Marta Aucar, a “Ordered the suspension of the application of the law” on abortion in the territory of the province, pending the final verdict on this case. The promoters of the so-called “Precautionary” claim that the law on voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion) approved by Congress on December 30 after a historic debate and promulgated by President Alberto Fernandez on January 14, is contrary to the regulations of the province of Chaco.
With the enactment of this law, Argentina, a country of 45 million people, became the largest country in Latin America to allow unconditional abortion up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Previously, abortion was only allowed in Argentina in cases of rape or danger to the mother’s life, under a law dating from 1921.
“We will respond appropriately”
To enter into force, this judgment must be formally notified to the authorities of the province of Chaco, who can appeal the decision. “We respect the rule of law and we respect judicial processes. When the time comes, we will respond appropriately ”, reacted on Twitter the undersecretary of health of the province, Carolina Centeno.
“The law on abortion has been approved by the representatives of the people. In the provincial government, we will continue to promote this right to protect women and pregnant people ”, she stressed. For lawyer Soledad Deza, this legal action against the law on abortion “Has no legal basis and is doomed to failure”.
Before the adoption of this law, each year between 370,000 and 520,000 clandestine abortions were performed in Argentina, and 38,000 women hospitalized for complications from clandestine abortions, according to government statistics.
