Argentina: Activists organize nationwide abortion rights rallies February 19

Event

Women’s rights activists are planning to hold rallies nationwide on Wednesday, February 19, to call for the legalization of abortion in Argentina. The pañuelazos (handkerchief rallies) are being organized by the National Campaign for the Right to Legal, Safe and Free Abortion of Argentina and supporters are being asked to wear green. In the capital Buenos Aires, events will begin outside of the National Congress at 17:00 (local time) before a statement is read by campaign leaders at 18:30. Associated rallies are also scheduled to take place in other parts of Buenos Aires province on Wednesday evening, including in Junín, Morón, La Plata, and Ensenada. According to the organizers, over 100 demonstrations in support of the campaign will be held in Argentina and other cities across the world.

A heightened police presence and traffic disruptions are expected around all rally sites.

Context

The first pañuelazo campaign was held on February 19, 2018, to push for a bill on legal abortion, which was eventually debated in parliament before being voted down. In 2019, another law was presented in parliament but has not been passed.

Advice

Individuals in Buenos Aires, and Argentina more generally, are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution, anticipate transportation disruptions near demonstration sites, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.