Following developments over the last 15 years, the pro-choice movement in Argentina has reached further setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, legal abortion is needed now more than ever. The Health Ministry estimates that around 350,000 women turn to clandestine abortions each year, many of which are performed unsafely and lead to complications.

On 1^st of March, President Alberto Fernandez announced a bill to legalize abortion – a huge step for the movement. Not long after this announcement, COVID-19 reached Argentina and a lockdown was enforced. This delayed the submission of the bill which was received by activists with both understanding and disappointment. It did not, however, dampen their movement with activists relaunching their activities online to great success. Their strong social media campaign which uses the hashtag #AbortoLegal2020 continues to press for the bill to be sent to congress. The momentum of the so called “green wave,” due to the symbolic green scarves activists wear, has continued.

A recent report by Human Rights Watch documents how barriers to legal abortion undermine reproductive rights. It highlights how the life and health of pregnant people in Argentina will remain at risk unless abortion is legalized. José Miguel Vivanco, America’s Director at Human Rights Watch commented, “the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown have only exacerbated the limited access to reproductive health services, making legalising abortion more urgent than ever.” The Argentinian Cabinet Chief Santiago Cafiero confirmed that the abortion bill is delayed until 2021, citing COVID-19 as the reason, saying “if it had not been for the coronavirus pandemic, it would have been debated this year.” Adriana Cáceres, a member of the party PRO, declared the issue a question of human rights. She argued “to continue postponing its discussion would mark a setback.” According to Amnesty International “this is not the end. Argentina will see the “green wave” returning to the streets … until they finally allow for safe and legal abortion.”

It is unlikely that the push for legalization will die down. The pro-choice movement should continue to keep momentum and make history. With COVID-19 lockdown creating even more barriers both for those in need of abortions and activists unable to take to the streets, it is admirable to see the impact that activists are making. Congress must legalize abortion as soon as possible to prevent further harm.

The recent announced bill comes as a great success for the movement, especially after a bill presented by activists in 2018 was rejected in senate. Abortion is illegal in Argentina apart from some exceptional circumstances such as when pregnancy dangers the life or health of a woman, or when it results from rape. However, even in these cases pregnant people face barriers to accessing abortion such as lack of public information and access to safe and legal methods. Pregnant individuals have also faced abuse, including from healthcare providers. The denial of such necessary health services, even in legal situations, highlights the desperate need for safe routes to reproductive healthcare.

After many years of campaigning and activism, the pro-choice movement in Argentina is close to victory and it will not stop until fundamental human rights are gained. Faced with significant barriers, activists are changing public perceptions and using social media to make real change that will affect the health and life of women and girls in their country. They should be applauded and supported in their fight by the global communities.