Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy Bill (Argentina)
The Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy Bill (Spanish: Proyecto de Ley de Interrupción Voluntaria del Embarazo) was a series of legislative proposals in Argentina aiming to legalize abortion in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. Prior to the passage of Law 27.610 in 2020, abortion was only legal in cases of rape or when the life or health of the pregnant person was in danger.
The bill was debated in the Argentine Congress on several occasions, most notably in 2018 and again in 2020. The 2018 bill was narrowly passed by the Chamber of Deputies but was rejected by the Senate.
The 2020 bill, building on the momentum of the prior attempt and strong advocacy from feminist and human rights organizations, was structured as two separate but related pieces of legislation: one legalizing abortion up to 14 weeks, and another providing state support for pregnant individuals and new mothers (known as the "1000 Days Plan").
The debate surrounding the bill was highly polarized, involving public demonstrations for and against its passage. Supporters argued for reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and public health, citing statistics on unsafe abortions and maternal mortality. Opponents emphasized the right to life from conception and expressed concerns about the potential devaluation of human life.
The Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy Bill (Law 27.610) was ultimately passed by both houses of the Argentine Congress in December 2020 and went into effect in January 2021. It legalized abortion on request within the first 14 weeks of gestation. After 14 weeks, abortion remains legal only in cases of rape or a threat to the pregnant person's life or health, consistent with pre-existing legal precedent.
The law also requires health providers to offer comprehensive information about abortion procedures and to provide access to safe and legal abortions. Conscientious objection is allowed for medical professionals, but they are obligated to refer patients to other providers who will perform the procedure. The "1000 Days Plan" ensures comprehensive support for pregnant individuals and new parents during the first three years of a child's life, including financial assistance, healthcare, and early childhood development programs.