Declaration for the unrestricted implementation of the Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy Law in Argentina
On September 3, 2021, a doctor from the Juan Domingo Perón Hospital in Tartagal, Salta, Argentina, was imprisoned for guaranteeing access to a legal and safe abortion for an adult woman.
In Argentina, abortion has been legal since December 30, 2020, with the parliamentary approval of Law 27610 on the Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy. Only the voluntary decision of the pregnant person is required up to 14 weeks of gestation, and after that period, it is permitted under the grounds established in the Penal Code since 1921. However, the implementation of this law faces numerous complexities, and its monitoring involves state agencies and social organizations.
Similarly, difficulties have arisen as a result of legal actions taken by conservative fundamentalist groups attempting to hinder progress, particularly within healthcare teams. This is a clear example of obstruction and intimidation of healthcare professionals involved in this process. It is important to note that the doctor was arrested without due process and is the only professional at the aforementioned hospital who did not declare conscientious objection to the implementation of this right.
The attacks by conservative groups are notable in the region, not only against abortion laws but also against rights related to bodily autonomy and freedom of choice. The strategy against a supposed “gender ideology” has been deployed globally in the United Nations and the OAS, as well as in regional bodies, with a strong impact on national strategies and legislation.
We condemn the judicial advance against the legality of rights in a blatant act of intimidation that breaks with all legal guarantees.
From feminist movements and numerous social groups and organizations, we have raised the flag against all types of violence: we say that "if they touch one of us, they touch us all."
We therefore demand that compliance with Law 27610 on Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy be guaranteed, and that the right to decide of pregnant people and the physical, emotional and labor integrity of the corresponding health personnel be respected.
3th September 2021
CLACSO Working Group
Network of Gender, Feminisms and Memories of Latin America and the Caribbean
This statement expresses the position of the Working Group Network of Gender, Feminisms and Memories of Latin America and the Caribbean and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.
