A sad day for pro-choice supporters.
Words by Rebecca Fearn
After much debate, the Argentinian senate has rejected a bill that proposed legalisation of abortion within the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. The final vote saw 41 male senators and 28 female senators vote against the bill by 38 to 31.
Abortion is currently only legal in Argentina in cases of rape or health complications.
Pro choice protestors have been showing their support for the bill all over the world during passing weeks, with people gathering in cities such as Berlin, Rome, Melbourne, and Rio De Janeiro. Many wore green to express their support for abortion decriminalisation.
Solidarity with Argentina this evening from Dublin #AbortoLegalYa pic.twitter.com/NYFvnm08qD
— Sadhbh Byrne Ryan (@Sadhbh23) August 8, 2018
Inicia el apoyo solidario de #Mujeres de #México a las mujeres de #Argentina “En Argentina, en México y en toda América Latina exigimos el derecho al aborto seguro para no morir”#MareaVerde #QueSeaLey pic.twitter.com/Gw63lV1WyV
— Avispa Midia (@Avispa_Midia) August 8, 2018
Following today’s decision, pro-choice supporters showed their frustration by beginning fires and throwing missiles at police.
Many also took to Twitter to express their defiance and determination to keep fighting:
Sorry to hear that politicians in #Argentina are so far behind public sentiment. The same was true here in #Ireland for years but a women- led, grassroots, determined campaign led to a landslide victory.
It WILL happen for you too 💚💚💚
This setback is temporary #AbortoLegalYa— Gaye Edwards 💛💚💜 (@BrennanGaye) August 9, 2018
💔💔💔
Don't give up! The world is still watching. The world is still supporting.
Women's rights are eternal and universal.
The people who voted against those not.#SeraLey #AbortoLegalYa— 💚💚💚 (@BlasniorBE) August 9, 2018
Unfortunately, lawmakers must now wait another year before they are able to resubmit legislation.
