Argentina opens debate over abortion
Argentina's legislature began debate today over the decriminalization of abortion.
Some abortion supporters are pushing for legislation that would allow a woman to terminate her pregnancy during the first 12 weeks of gestation, reports La Nacion. In cases of rape, risk to the mother or serious fetal defects, an abortion could be performed at a later date.
Others are advocating partial decriminalization, which would permit abortion in the first 12 weeks for cases of rape and when the mother's health is in danger. No abortions would be permitted after 12 weeks.
Between 500,000 and 700,000 illegal abortions are estimated to be carried out in Argentina each year, reports the Buenos Aires Herald.
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