Thousands of women demonstrated in Buenos Aires on Thursday to defend the right to an abortion, which was enshrined in law in Argentina three years ago but which they say is under threat if far-right Javier Millay wins October's presidential election.
A crowd of people gathered in the center of the capital, on the occasion of the world day for the right to abortion. "We came together to defend women's rights because we are worried about a possible backlash depending on the outcome of the election," said psychologist Martha Gassano, 47, who attended the demonstration with her 15-year-old daughter.
Javier Millay, a 52-year-old ultra-liberal economist, shook up Argentina's political scene when he triumphed in August's primaries. According to opinion polls ahead of the Oct. 22 presidential election, Millay has a clear lead in voter intent and is expected to contest the presidency in a runoff against center-left candidate Sergio Massa, Argentina's former economy minister.
Miley, who reminds many of Donald Trump, has repeatedly expressed his opposition to abortion, which he calls "murder." "Obviously, a woman has rights to her body, but the child is not her body," he said. He has announced a referendum if he is elected president, so that the citizens can decide. Because, according to him, "killing a person cannot be an acquired right".
In January 2021, Argentina legalized abortions up to the 14th week of pregnancy. Until then it was only allowed in cases of rape or danger to the mother's life.
In about 15 countries in the world voluntary termination of pregnancy remains prohibited, especially in Africa. In Latin America, Cuba and Uruguay were the first countries to legalize abortion, followed by Colombia and Mexico.
Source: RES-EAP
