Argentina has become the largest country in Latin America to legalise abortion following a historic law change that was approved by its senate by 38 votes in favour to 29 against, with one abstention.
The bill had been approved by the Chamber of Deputies earlier this month. The Catholic Church, which continues to be highly influential in Latin America, opposed the law change and called on senators to reject the bill supported by centre-left President Alberto Fernández.
The President made legalising abortions one of his campaign promises, "I'm Catholic but I have to legislate for everyone," he said.
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He also argued that providing free and legal abortions up to the 14th week of pregnancy was a matter of public health. He said "every year around 38,000 women" are taken to hospital due to unsafe, underground abortions and since the restoration of democracy in 1983, "more than 3,000 have died".
Pro-choice campaigners, who had gathered and kept a vigil outside Buenos Aires's neoclassical congressional palace, celebrated as the result was announced on Wednesday.
Before the law change, abortions were only permitted in cases of rape or when the mother's health was at risk.
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In addition to the legalisation of abortion, Senators also voted in favour of a bill dubbed the "1,000-Day Plan", which will provide better healthcare for pregnant women and mothers of young children.
Following the law change, the President tweeted the following which has been translated to English: "Safe, legal and free abortion is law. I promised to do so on election campaign days.
"Today we are a better society that expands rights to women and guarantees public health."
Argentina is one of the largest and most influential countries in Latin America and pro-choice campaigners are hoping the historic decision will inspire other countries to follow suit.
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