31 Jul 2018 | 05:56 AM UTC
Argentina: Senate to vote on abortion bill August 8 /update 3
Senate to vote on bill to legalize abortion August 8; associated demonstrations likely in the coming days
Event
The Argentine Senate will vote on a bill to legalize abortion on Wednesday, August 8. As of Monday, July 30, the Senate is reportedly divided over support for the bill, with the “No” campaign having a slight lead. Several protests have taken place in Buenos Aires recently in the days leading up to the vote. Doctors rallied outside of the National Congress building on Sunday, July 29, in opposition of the bill. Catholic groups also gathered outside of the presidential residence in the capital on Monday, calling for President Mauricio Macri to veto the bill if it is passed by the Senate. Additional protests for and against the law are anticipated to take place in Buenos Aires and other parts of the country in the days leading up to and on August 8. Localized traffic disruptions should be expected around all protest sites.
Context
The lower chamber of Argentina's Congress narrowly passed the bill to legalize abortion on June 14 after 20 hours of debate. Senate committees started debating the proposed law after it was passed by the lower chamber. Several pro-life and pro-choice demonstrations have been held in Buenos Aires in the months since it was passed.
Advice
Individuals in Buenos Aires are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, prepare for traffic disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
