Abortion Law in Argentina

Is abortion legal in Argentina? What is the abortion law in Argentina?

Abortion in Argentina is legal and governed by Law 27.610. It is a right across the entire country and within the entire healthcare system, both public and private.

With this in mind, all women and individuals of other gender identities have the right to terminate their pregnancy, as well as to post-abortion care and access to contraceptives.

Note: Individuals aged 16 and over do not require the assistance of another person to undergo the procedure. Those aged between 13 and 15 can give their consent autonomously if the procedure does not involve a life-threatening risk. If there is such a risk, their own consent and the assistance of a socio-affective reference person are required. Individuals under the age of 13 must provide consent and be accompanied by a trusted adult.

Until what week can an abortion be performed in Argentina?

Up to week 14 inclusive, it can be performed voluntarily, without justification. After that time, abortion can be accessed when the pregnancy is the result of sexual violence or puts the health of the pregnant person at risk (therapeutic abortion).

What are the abortion services available in Argentina?

In Argentina, the following abortion services are available:

• Medication abortion
  • Misoprostol alone or a combination of Mifepristone and Misoprostol
• Surgical abortion
  • Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)
  • Dilation and Curettage (D&C), also known as uterine scraping

Note: D&C is an invasive method that involves more risk and days of recovery. International organizations do not recommend it unless it is the only possible option.

Who can provide a safe abortion in Argentina?

Argentina’s care model acknowledges two main approaches to abortion: those assisted by healthcare personnel and those managed by the individual themselves.

Abortion with pills is a procedure that can be safely done at home.

There are two surgical options: Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) is a simple, effective, and safe procedure performed by healthcare professionals in clinics or hospitals. It may require light or more profound analgesia if necessary. Dilation and Curettage (D&C), or uterine scraping, is a more complex procedure. The MVA method is recommended whenever possible to avoid the complexities associated with D&C.

How to have a safe abortion in Argentina?

According to law 27.610, abortions can be performed in any hospital or clinic. This service is available in both the public and private health systems and must be provided within the first 10 days of request.

If they refuse to perform the procedure, using conscientious objection, the institution is obligated to refer you to another health center of similar characteristics that does perform the termination. In such cases, the management and costs are the responsibility of the referring party.

What is the cost of a safe abortion in Argentina?

Abortion is free of charge by law. The law stipulates that public health services, national and provincial health insurances, and prepaid health insurance companies and entities should include comprehensive and free coverage of the procedure. This means that diagnostic services, medications, and support therapies are included in the National Program for Quality Assurance of Medical Care and in the Mandatory Medical Program (PMO), with full coverage.

Which abortion pills are available in Argentina?

• Misoprostol
• Mifepristone

You may requiere a prescription.

Some of the pill brands available in Argentina are:

• Misoprostol Lif (Laboratorio Industrial Farmaceútico SE- Santa Fe)
• Misop 200 (Laboratorio Dominguez)
• Misoprost 200 mcg (Laboratorio Beta)

Where can I buy abortion pills in Argentina?

Abortion pills are sold in pharmacies, but a prescription may be needed.

Their use is authorized in the three health subsystems: public health, regular health insurances (national and provincial), and prepaid health insurances. The acquisition of the pills is free in the public health system. Regular and prepaid health insurances must provide comprehensive and free coverage.

What do the abortion pills look like in Argentina?

What are the post-abortion care services available in Argentina?

In Argentina, by law, it’s a right to receive healthcare throughout the whole abortion process. Therefore, the right to post-abortion care and access to contraceptives also exists.

This is completely free care, both in the public system and through regular and prepaid health insurances. Comprehensive coverage must be provided, which also includes care in cases with complications, for the necessary studies, medication, and corresponding treatment.

Advice on different contraceptive methods suitable for individual needs and general sexual health can be requested. Consultations can be conducted for free in the public system (hospitals and health centers) or in the private system for those with medical coverage. Most contraceptive methods available in Argentina are free of charge.

Who can I contact for additional abortion information and support in Argentina?

• National Direction of Sexual and Reproductive Health: If you are denied an abortion, if you have questions or require information about the Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy, you can call from anywhere in the country to the following number: 0800 222 3444. You can do it from Mondays to Fridays from 9AM to 9PM and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 9AM to 6PM. You can also contact them at the institutional email: saludsexual@msal.gov.ar
• Socorristas en Red: feminist accompaniment network. You can find their contact information throughout the country in this website: https://socorristasenred.org/
• Red de profesionales de la salud por el derecho a decidir: A health professionals network for the right to decide: https://redsaluddecidir.org

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