A recent development allows Argentina women to obtain emergency contraception, the "morning-after pill," without requiring a doctor's prescription, according to BBC.

This decision by the government is being hailed as a significant milestone in a predominantly Catholic nation and is seen as a positive step forward by feminist groups.

Removing this requirement is a crucial breakthrough in reproductive rights, eliminating a perceived barrier for individuals seeking access to abortions.

The health ministry emphasizes that the new policy will particularly benefit those who face challenges in accessing healthcare services, contraception supplies, and education, thereby aiding in preventing unplanned pregnancies.

Valeria Isla, the director of sexual and reproductive health at the ministry, explained, "This removes an important barrier to access. People can have this method of contraception as support before an emergency happens."

According to official data, seven out of ten adolescent pregnancies in Argentina are unplanned.

Advocates, such as Vanessa Gagliardi, the leader of the feminist group Juntas y a la Izquierda, believe that the measure will help destigmatize the use of the morning-after pill in the country.

However, critics argue that the government's action signifies a "failure of pregnancy prevention" and a lack of comprehensive sex education.

Pro-life organization DerguiXlaVida expressed concerns, stating that the government is effectively endorsing measures that promote abortion by enacting this law.

They attribute the need for this change to a deficiency in pregnancy prevention efforts and sex education.

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Argentina's Sexual and Reproductive Rights

Argentina's recent move to facilitate access to the "morning-after pill" reflects the country's commitment to equal sexual and reproductive rights for all its citizens, per Buenos Aires Herald.

In 2020, Argentina made significant legislative strides in this realm, becoming a regional leader in sexual and reproductive rights within Latin America.

The approval of free abortion up to week 14 by Congress marked a significant milestone, and the commercialization of Mifepristone was authorized by the National Administration of Medicines, Food, and Medical Technology (ANMAT).

The impact of these advancements is already evident. Following the legalization of abortion on December 30, 2020, the Argentine government reports a 40% decrease in maternal mortality associated with miscarriages between 2020 and 2021.

The number of maternal deaths attributed to "medical abortion, other abortion, unspecified abortion, and unsuccessful attempted abortion" decreased from 13 in 2020 to 9 in 2021.

However, it is essential to note that while Argentina has made progress in advancing sexual and reproductive rights, challenges persist in ensuring universal protection of these fundamental human rights across all regions of the country.

The 'Morning-After Pill'

The "morning-after pill," a hormone medication recognized by the World Health Organization, is known to effectively prevent pregnancy within 120 hours (or five days) of unprotected sexual intercourse, Reuters noted.

Its action mechanism involves inhibiting the egg's fertilization, although it is most effective when taken within 12 hours of the event.

Currently, the availability of the day-after pill without a prescription extends to over 70 countries worldwide, including the United States and now Argentina.

While emergency contraceptives are legal in many Latin American nations, specific restrictions exist, such as the requirement of a doctor's prescription or adherence to a minimum age requirement for usage.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: How Does the Morning After Pill/Emergency Contraception Work? - From Planned Parenthood