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Argentina's Abortion Law Enters Force Under Watchful Eyes

Associated Press

   BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - Argentina's groundbreaking abortion law went
   into force Sunday under the watchful eyes of women's groups and
   government officials, who hope to ensure its full implementation
   despite opposition from some conservative and church groups.

   Argentina became the largest nation in Latin America to legalize
   elective abortion after its Senate on December30 passed a law
   guaranteeing the procedure up to the 14th week of pregnancy and beyond
   that in cases of rape or when a woman's health is at risk.

   The vote was hailed as a triumph for the South American country's
   feminist movement that could pave the way for similar actions across
   the socially conservative, heavily Roman Catholic region.

   But Pope Francis had issued a last-minute appeal before the vote and
   church leaders have criticized the decision. Supporters of the law say
   they expect lawsuits from anti-abortion groups in Argentina's
   conservative provinces and some private health clinics might refuse to
   carry out the procedure.

   "Another huge task lies ahead of us," said Argentina's minister of
   women, gender and diversity, Elizabeth Gómez Alcorta, who has
   acknowledged there will be obstacles to the law's full implementation
   across the country.

   Gómez Alcorta said a telephone line will be set up "for those who
   cannot access abortion to communicate."

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