After the death of a 30-year-old pregnant woman in hospital,&nbsp;protests have sparked across Poland against the&nbsp;abortion law on Saturday.&nbsp;Thousands of protesters chanted, “Her heart was beating too.”

According to the family, the hospital staff refused to provide life-saving healthcare to the woman because they were afraid of breaking the country’s strict abortion law. &nbsp;

Senior opposition politicians, which included European Council former president Donald Tusk, joined the demonstrators.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/million-mask-march-protesters-wearing-guy-fawkes-masks-clash-with-police-in-uk-427179" hreflang="en">Million Mask March: Protesters wearing Guy Fawkes masks clash with police in UK</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

After being admitted to a hospital in Pszczyna, south-western Poland, Izabela – whose surname has not been made public– wrote in a text message to her mother, “For now, because of the abortion law, I have to stay in bed and they can’t do anything. Alternatively, they will wait for the baby to die or for something to start happening. If it doesn’t, then great, I can expect sepsis.” &nbsp;

The next morning at 4 am, Izabela died. The consultant responsible for Izabela informed her husband, the death was caused by a pulmonary embolism, adding that “sometimes it happens”, the lawyer representing Izabela’s family, Jolanta Budzowska, told the Guardian. However, the initial autopsy found that the woman died of septic shock. &nbsp;

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Although Izabela died on September 22, her death was made public by the family last week, sparking controversy and protests across Poland. &nbsp;

“Following the tightening of the abortion law in Poland due to the 2020 ruling of the constitutional tribunal, there remains only one ground for an abortion which would have applied in this case: endangerment of the life or health of the mother,” Budzowska said. &nbsp;

“However, it is hard for the doctors to apply this in practice. They do not know if they make the right decision when this real danger occurs. If they carry out an abortion too early and the prosecutors then decide that there was no danger to the mother, they can face up to three years in prison,” the lawyer added. &nbsp;

“I can still hear her words to this day, that she wants to live, that she doesn’t want to die, that she has people to live for,” a woman, who shared the room in hospital with the victim, told the Polish TV station TVN. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After the death of a 30-year-old pregnant woman in hospital, protests have sparked across Poland against the abortion law on Saturday. Thousands of protesters chanted, “Her heart was beating too.

After the death of a 30-year-old pregnant woman in hospital, protests have sparked across Poland against the abortion law on Saturday. Thousands of protesters chanted, “Her heart was beating too.” According to the family, the hospital staff refused to provide life-saving healthcare to the woman because they were afraid of breaking the country’s strict abortion law. Senior opposition politicians, which included European Council former president Donald Tusk, joined the demonstrators. Also Read: Million Mask March: Protesters wearing Guy Fawkes masks clash with police in UK After being admitted to a hospital in Pszczyna, south-western Poland, Izabela – whose surname has not been made public– wrote in a text message to her mother, “For now, because of the abortion law, I have to stay in bed and they can’t do anything. Alternatively, they will wait for the baby to die or for something to start happening. If it doesn’t, then great, I can expect sepsis.” The next morning at 4 am, Izabela died. The consultant responsible for Izabela informed her husband, the death was caused by a pulmonary embolism, adding that “sometimes it happens”, the lawyer representing Izabela’s family, Jolanta Budzowska, told the Guardian. However, the initial autopsy found that the woman died of septic shock. Also Read: Rallies held in Sydney, Melbourne against Australia's climate policy Although Izabela died on September 22, her death was made public by the family last week, sparking controversy and protests across Poland. “Following the tightening of the abortion law in Poland due to the 2020 ruling of the constitutional tribunal, there remains only one ground for an abortion which would have applied in this case: endangerment of the life or health of the mother,” Budzowska said. “However, it is hard for the doctors to apply this in practice. They do not know if they make the right decision when this real danger occurs. If they carry out an abortion too early and the prosecutors then decide that there was no danger to the mother, they can face up to three years in prison,” the lawyer added. “I can still hear her words to this day, that she wants to live, that she doesn’t want to die, that she has people to live for,” a woman, who shared the room in hospital with the victim, told the Polish TV station TVN. (With inputs from agencies)

Poland marches against abortion law after pregnant woman dies in hospital for want of care

The US Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear on November 1 legal challenges to a restrictive abortion law passed in Texas, but meanwhile declined to block the controversial law. President Joe Biden's administration and abortion providers have been asked the court to reverse this Texas law.

US' Supreme Court refuses to block Texas' controversial abortion law

A federal judge in US on Wednesday blocked a law that banned most abortions in Texas. The law is part of a conservative drive to deny access to the procedure.

The statute, which went into force on September 1, prohibits abortions as soon as a &nbsp;heartbeat is detectable, usually at around six weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant. There are no exceptions for cases of incest or rape.

US District Judge &nbsp;Robert Pitman in Austin granted the request from President Joe Biden's administration to block enforcement of the law pending further litigation. The judge said that the law violated US constitution. The state of Texas can appeal against the ruling.

In his 113-page ruling, Pitman said Texas officials had created an "unprecedented and aggressive scheme to deprive its citizens of a significant and well-established constitutional right."

"From the moment SB 8 went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution," Pitman said, using the abbreviation for Senate Bill 8, the law's official name.

"This Court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right."

In recent years, similar laws have been passed in other states but were struck down because they violated US Supreme Court precedent from Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that guaranteed a woman's right to an abortion until the fetus is viable outside the womb, at around 22 weeks of pregnancy.

The Texas law, which thus far is the most restrictive in the country, is unique in that it empowers anyone to file a lawsuit against a person who has assisted in an abortion. They can be rewarded with $10,000 for cases that lead to prosecution, prompting charges that the law encourages Texans to act as vigilantes.

As Texas can still appeal Pitman's order, the case may end up in front of the Supreme Court.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland welcomed the ruling as "a victory for women in Texas and for the rule of law."

He added: "It is the foremost responsibility of the Department of Justice to defend the Constitution. We will continue to protect constitutional rights against all who would seek to undermine them.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A federal judge in US on Wednesday blocked a law that banned most abortions in Texas. The law is part of a conservative drive to deny access to the procedure. The statute, which went into force on September 1, prohibits abortions as soon as a heartbeat is detectable, usually at around six weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant.

A federal judge in US on Wednesday blocked a law that banned most abortions in Texas. The law is part of a conservative drive to deny access to the procedure. The statute, which went into force on September 1, prohibits abortions as soon as a heartbeat is detectable, usually at around six weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant. There are no exceptions for cases of incest or rape. US District Judge Robert Pitman in Austin granted the request from President Joe Biden's administration to block enforcement of the law pending further litigation. The judge said that the law violated US constitution. The state of Texas can appeal against the ruling. In his 113-page ruling, Pitman said Texas officials had created an "unprecedented and aggressive scheme to deprive its citizens of a significant and well-established constitutional right." "From the moment SB 8 went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution," Pitman said, using the abbreviation for Senate Bill 8, the law's official name. "This Court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right." In recent years, similar laws have been passed in other states but were struck down because they violated US Supreme Court precedent from Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that guaranteed a woman's right to an abortion until the fetus is viable outside the womb, at around 22 weeks of pregnancy. The Texas law, which thus far is the most restrictive in the country, is unique in that it empowers anyone to file a lawsuit against a person who has assisted in an abortion. They can be rewarded with $10,000 for cases that lead to prosecution, prompting charges that the law encourages Texans to act as vigilantes. As Texas can still appeal Pitman's order, the case may end up in front of the Supreme Court. US Attorney General Merrick Garland welcomed the ruling as "a victory for women in Texas and for the rule of law." He added: "It is the foremost responsibility of the Department of Justice to defend the Constitution. We will continue to protect constitutional rights against all who would seek to undermine them.” (With inputs from agencies)

US judge blocks abortion law in Texas

Making sure that the government and all other lawmakers know their stand against the ‘inhumane’ and ‘discriminatory’ anti-abortion rules, tens of thousands of people took to streets across the United States.<o:p></o:p>

Raising their voices and slogans, nearly 10,000 people rallied in a square near the White House and marched to the White House from there.<o:p></o:p>

With placards reading ‘Mind your uterus’, ‘Hands off my body’, ‘Make abortion legal’, and more, many protestors also dressed up as the late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who was known for fighting for women’s rights.

<o:p>Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/hands-off-my-body-thousands-protests-against-anti-abortion-laws-in-us-417791">'Hands off my body': Thousands protests against anti-abortion laws in US</a></o:p>

Many people also brought out creative jackets on which they stitched names and pictures of several other women activists and politicians who have supported the right to abort in the past.<o:p></o:p>

"Women&nbsp;are humans, we are full humans, and we need to be treated like full humans," Laura Bushwitz, a 66-year-old retired Florida teacher protesting in Washington, told news agency AFP. "We should be able to have our own choice on what we want to do with our bodies. Period."<o:p></o:p>

The fight between women and lawmakers has been going on since long but has now intensified as the state of Texas passed a law that makes all abortions, at any time of the pregnancy, a crime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rallies-held-across-the-us-against-abortion-ban-417809">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rallies-held-across-the-us-against-abortion-ban-417809/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Several lawmakers have also been openly and fiercely contesting these laws in the Supreme Court and media, including the President of the United States, Joe Biden. The President has made it clear on several occasions that he supports women’s right to their own bodies and does not lend support to the anti-abortion laws passed by the state of Texas.<o:p></o:p>

On Saturday, protests took place in nearly 600 cities across all 50 states where some women came out dressed in pink hats and some dressed in their most comfortable clothes to make sure they can raise their voice as loud as needed to reach the top-tier government officials.<o:p></o:p>

These protestors also clashed with another set of demonstrators in Washington who were rallying in support of the discriminatory laws. The two groups had to be segregated by the local police officials present at the scene, but nobody was injured.<o:p></o:p>

Making sure that the government and all other lawmakers know their stand against the ‘inhumane’ and ‘discriminatory’ anti-abortion rules, tens of thousands of people took to streets across the United States.

Making sure that the government and all other lawmakers know their stand against the ‘inhumane’ and ‘discriminatory’ anti-abortion rules, tens of thousands of people took to streets across the United States. Raising their voices and slogans, nearly 10,000 people rallied in a square near the White House and marched to the White House from there. With placards reading ‘Mind your uterus’, ‘Hands off my body’, ‘Make abortion legal’, and more, many protestors also dressed up as the late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who was known for fighting for women’s rights. Have a look | 'Hands off my body': Thousands protests against anti-abortion laws in US Many people also brought out creative jackets on which they stitched names and pictures of several other women activists and politicians who have supported the right to abort in the past. "Women are humans, we are full humans, and we need to be treated like full humans," Laura Bushwitz, a 66-year-old retired Florida teacher protesting in Washington, told news agency AFP. "We should be able to have our own choice on what we want to do with our bodies. Period." The fight between women and lawmakers has been going on since long but has now intensified as the state of Texas passed a law that makes all abortions, at any time of the pregnancy, a crime. WATCH | Several lawmakers have also been openly and fiercely contesting these laws in the Supreme Court and media, including the President of the United States, Joe Biden. The President has made it clear on several occasions that he supports women’s right to their own bodies and does not lend support to the anti-abortion laws passed by the state of Texas. On Saturday, protests took place in nearly 600 cities across all 50 states where some women came out dressed in pink hats and some dressed in their most comfortable clothes to make sure they can raise their voice as loud as needed to reach the top-tier government officials. These protestors also clashed with another set of demonstrators in Washington who were rallying in support of the discriminatory laws. The two groups had to be segregated by the local police officials present at the scene, but nobody was injured.

'Mind your uterus': Protests erupt in US against anti-abortion laws

'Hands off my body': Thousands protests against anti-abortion laws in US

The US Justice Department has sued Texas over a new state law that bans most abortions, arguing that it was enacted “in open defiance of the Constitution.”

US Justice Department sues Texas over state's new abortion law

The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, has received acclaim for interrupting a male reporter who was questioning Joe Biden about his support for abortion rights.

Owen Jones, a correspondent for the Catholic news network EWTN, asked Jen Psaki at the White House's daily press conference on Thursday why Catholic Joe Biden supported abortion rights while the church does not.

"How can the president accept abortion when his own Catholic faith teaches that it is morally wrong?" he asked.&nbsp;

When the reporter asked who Biden believes should look out for the unborn child, Psaki replied: "He believes that it is up to a woman to make those decisions and up to a woman to make those decisions with her doctor."

&nbsp;"I know you have never faced those choices, nor have you ever been pregnant, but for women out there who have faced those choices, this is an incredibly difficult thing.

"The president believes their rights should be respected."

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TELT <a href="https://t.co/SPkyWGqLTC">pic.twitter.com/SPkyWGqLTC</a>
— Janey Godley (@JaneyGodley) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaneyGodley/status/1433586303879323650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Jones attempted to ask more questions, but Psaki shut him down, saying: "You’ve had plenty of time today."&nbsp;

It comes as Texas enacts stringent abortion legislation, allowing citizens to sue anyone involved in providing or facilitating an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.

After the Supreme Court failed to block the bill in a 5-4 ruling, Biden promised a "whole-of-government" response.&nbsp;

Biden is a devout Catholic who frequently attends Mass on Sundays. While his views on abortion are at variance with the church's teachings, polling shows that the majority of Catholic people believe abortion should be permitted in all or most situations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, has received acclaim for interrupting a male reporter who was questioning Joe Biden about his support for abortion rights.

The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, has received acclaim for interrupting a male reporter who was questioning Joe Biden about his support for abortion rights. Owen Jones, a correspondent for the Catholic news network EWTN, asked Jen Psaki at the White House's daily press conference on Thursday why Catholic Joe Biden supported abortion rights while the church does not. "How can the president accept abortion when his own Catholic faith teaches that it is morally wrong?" he asked. When the reporter asked who Biden believes should look out for the unborn child, Psaki replied: "He believes that it is up to a woman to make those decisions and up to a woman to make those decisions with her doctor." "I know you have never faced those choices, nor have you ever been pregnant, but for women out there who have faced those choices, this is an incredibly difficult thing. "The president believes their rights should be respected." TELT pic.twitter.com/SPkyWGqLTC — Janey Godley (@JaneyGodley) September 3, 2021 × Jones attempted to ask more questions, but Psaki shut him down, saying: "You’ve had plenty of time today." It comes as Texas enacts stringent abortion legislation, allowing citizens to sue anyone involved in providing or facilitating an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. After the Supreme Court failed to block the bill in a 5-4 ruling, Biden promised a "whole-of-government" response. Biden is a devout Catholic who frequently attends Mass on Sundays. While his views on abortion are at variance with the church's teachings, polling shows that the majority of Catholic people believe abortion should be permitted in all or most situations. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: White House press secretary shuts down male reporter over abortion remarks

A new law that bans most abortions has come into force in Texas, US. This comes as the conservative leading Supreme Court failed to respond to an urgent request to block it.

Near-total abortion ban comes into effect in Texas

The eventual ruling by the conservative-majority court, expected next year, could allow states to ban abortions before a fetus is viable outside the womb, upending decades of legal precedent.

US Supreme Court to consider gutting landmark 1973 ruling

The US state of Arkansas has passed a law banning abortion even in cases of rape or incest --&nbsp;a measure that will be the nation's strictest abortion regulation if it is not overturned in court.

The only exception to the Arkansas law is "to save the life of the mother in a medical emergency," Asa Hutchinson, the governor of the southern state known for its Christian conservatism, announced on Tuesday.

Hutchinson said he signed the law due to his "sincere and long-held pro-life convictions," adding that "it is the intent of the legislation to set the stage for the Supreme Court overturning current case law."

The Arkansas law will not come into force before the summer, and the powerful ACLU civil rights organisation has already announced that it will challenge it in court.

Abortion divides the American population, with strong opposition especially among evangelical Christians.

In recent years, several states in the south and the centre of the country have increased restrictive laws on abortion, forcing many clinics to close their doors.

Then-president Donald Trump's appointment of Amy Coney Barrett as a Supreme Court judge in October locked in a 6-to-3 conservative majority on the court, and raised the possibility of overturning Roe v Wade, the 1973 ruling on abortion rights. If overturned, individual states would be able to set abortion regulations.

Alabama is the only state to have recently passed a similarly sweeping anti-abortion policy, when the state made it a felony for doctors to perform abortions except to save a mother's life in 2019. That law was struck down in federal court.

(with inputs from agencies)

The US state of Arkansas has passed a law banning abortion even in cases of rape or incest -- a measure that will be the nation's strictest abortion regulation if it is not overturned in court.

The US state of Arkansas has passed a law banning abortion even in cases of rape or incest -- a measure that will be the nation's strictest abortion regulation if it is not overturned in court. The only exception to the Arkansas law is "to save the life of the mother in a medical emergency," Asa Hutchinson, the governor of the southern state known for its Christian conservatism, announced on Tuesday. Hutchinson said he signed the law due to his "sincere and long-held pro-life convictions," adding that "it is the intent of the legislation to set the stage for the Supreme Court overturning current case law." The Arkansas law will not come into force before the summer, and the powerful ACLU civil rights organisation has already announced that it will challenge it in court. Abortion divides the American population, with strong opposition especially among evangelical Christians. In recent years, several states in the south and the centre of the country have increased restrictive laws on abortion, forcing many clinics to close their doors. Then-president Donald Trump's appointment of Amy Coney Barrett as a Supreme Court judge in October locked in a 6-to-3 conservative majority on the court, and raised the possibility of overturning Roe v Wade, the 1973 ruling on abortion rights. If overturned, individual states would be able to set abortion regulations. Alabama is the only state to have recently passed a similarly sweeping anti-abortion policy, when the state made it a felony for doctors to perform abortions except to save a mother's life in 2019. That law was struck down in federal court. (with inputs from agencies)

US state of Arkansas bans nearly all abortions in sweeping measure

On abortion, the White House said Biden was ordering the government to review rules under Donald Trump's administration.

U.S. President Joe Biden reverses restrictions on access to abortion

US President Joe Biden is set to scrap a ban on US funding for abortion counselling provided by international organisations.

Abortion has been legal in the United States since a landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision, and Biden has consistently supported that ruling, which guarantees a woman's "right to choose."

On the eve of the anti-abortion movement's annual March for Life, the White House said Biden would rescind the so-called Mexico City Policy -- which bars US funding for international non-profit organidations that offer abortion counseling or referrals -- on Thursday.

The move is part of a broad package of health-related measures by the new Democratic president at a time when the country is reeling from Covid-19 and, as ever, grappling with a health care system that leaves millions of people uninsured.

Biden is expected to also order a review of rules under Donald Trump's administration that blocked government-funded family planning clinics in the United States from referring women for abortions.

Bidens' Democratic base largely supports abortion rights, but he is also a devout member of the Catholic Church which is firmly opposed to abortion.&nbsp;

Pressed last week on the new president's abortion stance -- particularly on legislation known as the Hyde amendment that would prevent federal funds from being used by Americans to pay for abortion -- White House Spokeswoman Jen Psaki declined to answer directly.

Politically, the issue cleaves a deep division among Americans, and Biden alienating a portion of them could hamper his efforts to build broad-based support to advance other policies on the economy and the coronavirus pandemic.

Strongly supported by US anti-abortion groups, the 1984 Mexico City Policy takes aim at non-American non-governmental organisations involved in health and family planning support in developing countries and whose operations benefit from official US financial aid.

Within days of taking office in January 2017, Trump outlawed the extension of US financing to such groups if they suppport, counsel or offer abortion. Moreover, they could be banned from US aid if they themselves extend support to other NGOs which support abortion.

US President Joe Biden is set to scrap a ban on US funding for abortion counselling provided by international organisations. Abortion has been legal in the United States since a landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision, and Biden has consistently supported that ruling, which guarantees a woman's "right to choose.

US President Joe Biden is set to scrap a ban on US funding for abortion counselling provided by international organisations. Abortion has been legal in the United States since a landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision, and Biden has consistently supported that ruling, which guarantees a woman's "right to choose." On the eve of the anti-abortion movement's annual March for Life, the White House said Biden would rescind the so-called Mexico City Policy -- which bars US funding for international non-profit organidations that offer abortion counseling or referrals -- on Thursday. The move is part of a broad package of health-related measures by the new Democratic president at a time when the country is reeling from Covid-19 and, as ever, grappling with a health care system that leaves millions of people uninsured. Biden is expected to also order a review of rules under Donald Trump's administration that blocked government-funded family planning clinics in the United States from referring women for abortions. Bidens' Democratic base largely supports abortion rights, but he is also a devout member of the Catholic Church which is firmly opposed to abortion. Pressed last week on the new president's abortion stance -- particularly on legislation known as the Hyde amendment that would prevent federal funds from being used by Americans to pay for abortion -- White House Spokeswoman Jen Psaki declined to answer directly. Politically, the issue cleaves a deep division among Americans, and Biden alienating a portion of them could hamper his efforts to build broad-based support to advance other policies on the economy and the coronavirus pandemic. Strongly supported by US anti-abortion groups, the 1984 Mexico City Policy takes aim at non-American non-governmental organisations involved in health and family planning support in developing countries and whose operations benefit from official US financial aid. Within days of taking office in January 2017, Trump outlawed the extension of US financing to such groups if they suppport, counsel or offer abortion. Moreover, they could be banned from US aid if they themselves extend support to other NGOs which support abortion.

Biden set to scrap ban on US funds for abortion counseling

The world is welcoming Argentina's new abortion law, but Brazil's President Jair M. Bolsonaro is unhappy. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Is Brazil interfering with healthcare?

Argentina's historic abortion law which was considered to be triumph for women rights campaigner. But the decision doesn't settle well with right wing president of Brazil, Bolsonaro said, 'abortion never be approved on our soil'.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro slams Argentina's historic abortion law

Argentina has become one of only a handful of South American nations to legalise abortion, after hours of debate in the Senate.

Thousands of pro-choice activists cheered Wednesday in the streets of the capital after the Senate approved the bill 38 to 29, with one abstention.

Earlier in the day, both pro-choice and anti-abortion -- gathered outside Buenos Aires' parliament despite coronavirus fears.

South America has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. In Argentina, terminations are currently allowed in only two instances: rape, and danger to the mother's life.&nbsp;

The landmark law would legalise voluntary abortions at up to 14 weeks.

The highly-anticipated session was opened Tuesday by Senate president Cristina Kirchner, who is also Argentina's vice-president.

Kirchner, a former two-term president, said there were 67 of the 72 senators present when the session opened either in person or by video link.

The bill was proposed by President Alberto Fernandez and passed the Chamber of Deputies on December 11, despite fierce opposition from the Catholic Church and evangelical Christians.

Pro-choice activists have campaigned for years to change the abortion laws that date from 1921, adopting a green scarf as their symbol.

Earlier on Wednesday Pope Francis, who is Argentine, tweeted: "The son of God was born discarded to tell us that every person discarded is a child of God."

(with inputs)

Argentina has become one of only a handful of South American nations to legalise abortion, after hours of debate in the Senate. Thousands of pro-choice activists cheered Wednesday in the streets of the capital after the Senate approved the bill 38 to 29, with one abstention.

Argentina has become one of only a handful of South American nations to legalise abortion, after hours of debate in the Senate. Thousands of pro-choice activists cheered Wednesday in the streets of the capital after the Senate approved the bill 38 to 29, with one abstention. Earlier in the day, both pro-choice and anti-abortion -- gathered outside Buenos Aires' parliament despite coronavirus fears. South America has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. In Argentina, terminations are currently allowed in only two instances: rape, and danger to the mother's life. The landmark law would legalise voluntary abortions at up to 14 weeks. The highly-anticipated session was opened Tuesday by Senate president Cristina Kirchner, who is also Argentina's vice-president. Kirchner, a former two-term president, said there were 67 of the 72 senators present when the session opened either in person or by video link. The bill was proposed by President Alberto Fernandez and passed the Chamber of Deputies on December 11, despite fierce opposition from the Catholic Church and evangelical Christians. Pro-choice activists have campaigned for years to change the abortion laws that date from 1921, adopting a green scarf as their symbol. Earlier on Wednesday Pope Francis, who is Argentine, tweeted: "The son of God was born discarded to tell us that every person discarded is a child of God." (with inputs)

Argentine Senate approves bill to legalise abortion

Thousands of people turned out in Warsaw Sunday for the latest protest against a court decision restricting the right to abortion in all but the most exceptional circumstances.

The participants, mainly women and young people, crossed the capital headed for the home of deputy prime minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who analysts consider was behind the Constitutional Court's October 22 ruling.

Police tried several times to block the marchers' route to prevent them reaching Kaczynski's house, the target of several recent protests, before finally blocking off the street where he lives.

Already overnight, a group of farmers who accuse the government of doing nothing to stop the falling prices for their products had dumped a dead pig there and scattered potatoes and eggs across the street.

Have a look|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bittersweet-victory-green-scarves-wave-as-argentina-celebrates-legalization-of-abortion-349308">Bittersweet victory: Green scarves wave as Argentina celebrates legalization of abortion</a>

Sunday's demonstrations took place on the 39th anniversary of Poland's then leader General Wojciech Jaruzelski declaring martial law to crush the Solidarity trade union movement pressing for reforms.

Activists have organised a series of protests since the October court ruling that abortions due to birth defects are unconstitutional -- a decision that would impose a near-total ban on terminations.

That ruling has not yet been published officially, meaning it does not apply, but doctors have been cancelling scheduled abortions for fear of falling foul of the law.

Once it is implemented, abortions will only be allowed in cases of rape, incest and if the mother's life is at risk.

At the moment, Poland sees fewer than 2,000 legal abortions every year, according to official statistics. But women's groups estimate that an additional 200,000 women abort either illegally or abroad.

Protesters have ignored government orders against mass gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far killed 22,000 people in Poland, a country of 38 million people.

Thousands of people turned out in Warsaw Sunday for the latest protest against a court decision restricting the right to abortion in all but the most exceptional circumstances.

Thousands of people turned out in Warsaw Sunday for the latest protest against a court decision restricting the right to abortion in all but the most exceptional circumstances. The participants, mainly women and young people, crossed the capital headed for the home of deputy prime minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who analysts consider was behind the Constitutional Court's October 22 ruling. Police tried several times to block the marchers' route to prevent them reaching Kaczynski's house, the target of several recent protests, before finally blocking off the street where he lives. Already overnight, a group of farmers who accuse the government of doing nothing to stop the falling prices for their products had dumped a dead pig there and scattered potatoes and eggs across the street. Have a look| Bittersweet victory: Green scarves wave as Argentina celebrates legalization of abortion Sunday's demonstrations took place on the 39th anniversary of Poland's then leader General Wojciech Jaruzelski declaring martial law to crush the Solidarity trade union movement pressing for reforms. Activists have organised a series of protests since the October court ruling that abortions due to birth defects are unconstitutional -- a decision that would impose a near-total ban on terminations. That ruling has not yet been published officially, meaning it does not apply, but doctors have been cancelling scheduled abortions for fear of falling foul of the law. Once it is implemented, abortions will only be allowed in cases of rape, incest and if the mother's life is at risk. At the moment, Poland sees fewer than 2,000 legal abortions every year, according to official statistics. But women's groups estimate that an additional 200,000 women abort either illegally or abroad. Protesters have ignored government orders against mass gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far killed 22,000 people in Poland, a country of 38 million people.

Fresh protest in Poland over abortion ruling

Bittersweet victory: Green scarves wave as Argentina celebrates legalization of abortion

While mass protests against a court verdict backing a near-total ban on abortion have taken on an increasingly political flavour in Poland, the devout Catholic country is far from turning pro-choice.

Surveys show that Poles have grown comfortable with existing abortion legislation -- among Europe's most restrictive -- adopted in 1993 as part of a church-state compromise after the collapse of communism.

Abortion is only permitted in cases of rape or incest, when the life of the mother is at risk or if there is a severe foetal anomaly. That last provision was struck down by the constitutional court last month, triggering a wave of protests nationwide.

"We're seeing a surprising mobilisation of the younger generation in particular in these protests. And in that group, support for a more liberal law is growing -- but that's not the majority," said Adam Szostkiewicz, a commentator on political and religious issues.

"The majority had been silent for years, holding the belief that if the Church says so and politicians don't question it, then evidently that's just how it must be," he told AFP.

Only 22 percent of Poles are in favour of abortion on demand, according to a survey published late last month by the independent Kantar pollsters. Sixty-two percent think it should be legal in certain cases, while 11 percent are in favour of a total ban.

- 'There was no sexual revolution' -

According to sociologist Katarzyna Zielinska, the attachment of Poles to Catholicism as well as conservative family and gender roles is rooted in the communist past.

"There was no sexual revolution in Poland. On the contrary, we had a religious renewal, because the mobilisation against the communist regime was associated with religion."

Under communism, when Poland had a liberal termination law and contraceptive measures were either unavailable or ineffective, abortions took place en masse.

Today the EU member of 38 million people sees fewer than 2,000 legal abortions every year, according to official statistics. Women's groups estimate that another 200,000 women abort illegally or abroad.

Social researcher Inga Koralewska told AFP that the communist regime liberalised abortion not for women's rights but for political reasons, possibly as "a flick on the nose at the Church, the bedrock of Polish identity" and an ally of the opposition at the time.

When communism fell, the Church was in a position of strength and efficiency while Polish state institutions were in a shambles, allowing it to play an active role in shaping the current abortion law.

- Only time will tell -

Back then, Poles had more liberal views on abortion.

In 1992, 47 percent of Poles believed abortion should be permitted in difficult financial circumstances, according to the CBOS institute.

By 2016, approval was down to 14 percent.

The decrease can be attributed to multiple factors, including the tendency for laws to shape attitudes as well as a societal response to the fact that politicians -- even on the left -- were loath to take on the issue lest the Church turn voters against them.

Zielinska said the impetus for change began with the smaller-scale 2016 protests against a proposed tightening of the law, when women began to speak out about their own terminations.

"Perhaps this is a step that will take us in a more liberal direction," she added.

Szostkiewicz said the "radicalisation" of Poland's liberals was a significant development.

"They've had enough of the majority's silence, are fed up with the Church's interference -- in covenant with the state -- in their private matters and are publicly voicing their anger," he said.

"I see it as a sign that this principled, radical group will most likely grow in strength, and will have an effect on broader public opinion. But will that happen now or in the near future? I don't know."

While mass protests against a court verdict backing a near-total ban on abortion have taken on an increasingly political flavour in Poland, the devout Catholic country is far from turning pro-choice.

While mass protests against a court verdict backing a near-total ban on abortion have taken on an increasingly political flavour in Poland, the devout Catholic country is far from turning pro-choice. Surveys show that Poles have grown comfortable with existing abortion legislation -- among Europe's most restrictive -- adopted in 1993 as part of a church-state compromise after the collapse of communism. Abortion is only permitted in cases of rape or incest, when the life of the mother is at risk or if there is a severe foetal anomaly. That last provision was struck down by the constitutional court last month, triggering a wave of protests nationwide. "We're seeing a surprising mobilisation of the younger generation in particular in these protests. And in that group, support for a more liberal law is growing -- but that's not the majority," said Adam Szostkiewicz, a commentator on political and religious issues. "The majority had been silent for years, holding the belief that if the Church says so and politicians don't question it, then evidently that's just how it must be," he told AFP. Only 22 percent of Poles are in favour of abortion on demand, according to a survey published late last month by the independent Kantar pollsters. Sixty-two percent think it should be legal in certain cases, while 11 percent are in favour of a total ban. - 'There was no sexual revolution' - According to sociologist Katarzyna Zielinska, the attachment of Poles to Catholicism as well as conservative family and gender roles is rooted in the communist past. "There was no sexual revolution in Poland. On the contrary, we had a religious renewal, because the mobilisation against the communist regime was associated with religion." Under communism, when Poland had a liberal termination law and contraceptive measures were either unavailable or ineffective, abortions took place en masse. Today the EU member of 38 million people sees fewer than 2,000 legal abortions every year, according to official statistics. Women's groups estimate that another 200,000 women abort illegally or abroad. Social researcher Inga Koralewska told AFP that the communist regime liberalised abortion not for women's rights but for political reasons, possibly as "a flick on the nose at the Church, the bedrock of Polish identity" and an ally of the opposition at the time. When communism fell, the Church was in a position of strength and efficiency while Polish state institutions were in a shambles, allowing it to play an active role in shaping the current abortion law. - Only time will tell - Back then, Poles had more liberal views on abortion. In 1992, 47 percent of Poles believed abortion should be permitted in difficult financial circumstances, according to the CBOS institute. By 2016, approval was down to 14 percent. The decrease can be attributed to multiple factors, including the tendency for laws to shape attitudes as well as a societal response to the fact that politicians -- even on the left -- were loath to take on the issue lest the Church turn voters against them. Zielinska said the impetus for change began with the smaller-scale 2016 protests against a proposed tightening of the law, when women began to speak out about their own terminations. "Perhaps this is a step that will take us in a more liberal direction," she added. Szostkiewicz said the "radicalisation" of Poland's liberals was a significant development. "They've had enough of the majority's silence, are fed up with the Church's interference -- in covenant with the state -- in their private matters and are publicly voicing their anger," he said. "I see it as a sign that this principled, radical group will most likely grow in strength, and will have an effect on broader public opinion. But will that happen now or in the near future? I don't know."

'Silent majority' of Poles favour strict abortion law

Tens of thousands of Poles joined a march in Warsaw on Friday, the biggest in nine days of protests against a ruling by the country`s top court last week that amounted to a near-total ban on abortion in the predominantly Catholic nation.

Defying strict rules that restrict gatherings to five people during the coronavirus pandemic, demonstrators walked through central Warsaw streets carrying black umbrellas, a symbol of abortion rights protests in Poland, and banners that read "I think, I feel, I decide" or "God is a woman".

Military police lined the streets, some of in riot gear, as the demonstration began.

Organisers and the city of Warsaw said some 100,000 people took part, one of the largest protest gatherings in years, following a Constitutional Court ruling on Oct. 22 outlawing abortions due to foetal defects. It ended the most common of the few legal grounds left for abortion in Poland and set the country further apart from Europe`s mainstream.

Daily protests have taken place across the country in the past week, and have turned into an outpouring of anger against five years of nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) rule and the Roman Catholic church, which is an ally of the government.

Far-right groups which support the court ruling also turned out in small gatherings in Warsaw on Friday, and TV footage showed police clashing with them to keep one group away from the protesters.

The leader of the abortion rights movement in Poland, Marta Lempart, told activists to report any attacks and to resist any threats of prosecution or fines for taking part. "We are doing nothing wrong by protesting and going out on the streets," she told a news conference.

After the ruling goes into effect, women will only be able to terminate a pregnancy legally in the case of rape, incest or a threat to their health.

DANCING ON TRAMS

In an effort to ease tensions, President Andrzej Duda proposed legislation on Friday reintroducing the possibility of terminating a pregnancy due to foetal abnormalities, although only limited to defects that are immediately life-threatening.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki pledged lawmakers would proceed with the legislation quickly, but demonstrators were unimpressed.

"This is an attempt to soften the situation for PiS, but no sane person should fall for it," activist and leftist lawmaker Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus told Reuters.

The government has accused demonstrators of risking the lives of the elderly by defying strict pandemic rules against large gatherings. Poland reported a daily record of more than 21,000 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday.

Health Minister Adam Niedzielski drew comparisons between the Polish protest and the Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality, saying demonstrations across the United States caused an "escalation" of the pandemic.

Public health experts say there has yet to be conclusive evidence of large-scale spread from the U.S. events.

Five women were charged with organising an illegal protest which attracted 850 people in the town of Police on Thursday, officials said.

The Catholic Church has said that while it opposes abortion, it did not push the government or the court to increase restrictions.

PiS, however, has sought to instil more traditional and Catholic values in public life, ending state funding for in vitro fertilisation, introducing more patriotic themes into school curricula and funding Church programmes.

It has also launched a crackdown on LGBT rights and a reform of the judiciary the European Union says subverts the rule law. PiS says it seeks to protect traditional Polish values against damaging western liberalism.

Opinion polls have shown its support falling sharply in recent weeks.

Tens of thousands of Poles joined a march in Warsaw on Friday, the biggest in nine days of protests against a ruling by the country`s top court last week that amounted to a near-total ban on abortion in the predominantly Catholic nation.

Tens of thousands of Poles joined a march in Warsaw on Friday, the biggest in nine days of protests against a ruling by the country`s top court last week that amounted to a near-total ban on abortion in the predominantly Catholic nation. Defying strict rules that restrict gatherings to five people during the coronavirus pandemic, demonstrators walked through central Warsaw streets carrying black umbrellas, a symbol of abortion rights protests in Poland, and banners that read "I think, I feel, I decide" or "God is a woman". Military police lined the streets, some of in riot gear, as the demonstration began. Organisers and the city of Warsaw said some 100,000 people took part, one of the largest protest gatherings in years, following a Constitutional Court ruling on Oct. 22 outlawing abortions due to foetal defects. It ended the most common of the few legal grounds left for abortion in Poland and set the country further apart from Europe`s mainstream. Daily protests have taken place across the country in the past week, and have turned into an outpouring of anger against five years of nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) rule and the Roman Catholic church, which is an ally of the government. Far-right groups which support the court ruling also turned out in small gatherings in Warsaw on Friday, and TV footage showed police clashing with them to keep one group away from the protesters. The leader of the abortion rights movement in Poland, Marta Lempart, told activists to report any attacks and to resist any threats of prosecution or fines for taking part. "We are doing nothing wrong by protesting and going out on the streets," she told a news conference. After the ruling goes into effect, women will only be able to terminate a pregnancy legally in the case of rape, incest or a threat to their health. DANCING ON TRAMS In an effort to ease tensions, President Andrzej Duda proposed legislation on Friday reintroducing the possibility of terminating a pregnancy due to foetal abnormalities, although only limited to defects that are immediately life-threatening. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki pledged lawmakers would proceed with the legislation quickly, but demonstrators were unimpressed. "This is an attempt to soften the situation for PiS, but no sane person should fall for it," activist and leftist lawmaker Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus told Reuters. The government has accused demonstrators of risking the lives of the elderly by defying strict pandemic rules against large gatherings. Poland reported a daily record of more than 21,000 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday. Health Minister Adam Niedzielski drew comparisons between the Polish protest and the Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality, saying demonstrations across the United States caused an "escalation" of the pandemic. Public health experts say there has yet to be conclusive evidence of large-scale spread from the U.S. events. Five women were charged with organising an illegal protest which attracted 850 people in the town of Police on Thursday, officials said. The Catholic Church has said that while it opposes abortion, it did not push the government or the court to increase restrictions. PiS, however, has sought to instil more traditional and Catholic values in public life, ending state funding for in vitro fertilisation, introducing more patriotic themes into school curricula and funding Church programmes. It has also launched a crackdown on LGBT rights and a reform of the judiciary the European Union says subverts the rule law. PiS says it seeks to protect traditional Polish values against damaging western liberalism. Opinion polls have shown its support falling sharply in recent weeks.

Thousands in Warsaw join biggest protest so far against abortion ruling

A member of radical feminist group Femen staged a naked&nbsp;protest outside the Polish embassy in Kiev on Monday against a near-total ban on abortion in the EU country.

The English words "My body is my choice" were scrawled on her torso. She held coat hangers in her mouth, a protest symbol representing illegal abortions.

"Sisters to arms!" the woman chanted in Polish before being quickly arrested by police.

Later in the day several dozen activists gathered near the embassy for another demonstration in support of Polish women.

One of the women held a placard saying: "When the government decides to ban safe abortions women may decide to abort the government."

Last week Poland's constitutional court ruled that an existing law allowing the abortion of malformed foetuses was "incompatible" with the constitution.

The ruling has sparked protests against a near-total ban on abortion in a country that already has some of the EU's most stringent restrictions.

According to media reports, Ukraine's much more liberal policies make it one of the destinations for Polish women seeking abortions.

From now on, abortions in Poland will only be allowed in instances of rape or incest, or if there is a threat to the mother's life.

A member of radical feminist group Femen staged a naked protest outside the Polish embassy in Kiev on Monday against a near-total ban on abortion in the EU country.

A member of radical feminist group Femen staged a naked protest outside the Polish embassy in Kiev on Monday against a near-total ban on abortion in the EU country. The English words "My body is my choice" were scrawled on her torso. She held coat hangers in her mouth, a protest symbol representing illegal abortions. "Sisters to arms!" the woman chanted in Polish before being quickly arrested by police. Later in the day several dozen activists gathered near the embassy for another demonstration in support of Polish women. One of the women held a placard saying: "When the government decides to ban safe abortions women may decide to abort the government." Last week Poland's constitutional court ruled that an existing law allowing the abortion of malformed foetuses was "incompatible" with the constitution. The ruling has sparked protests against a near-total ban on abortion in a country that already has some of the EU's most stringent restrictions. According to media reports, Ukraine's much more liberal policies make it one of the destinations for Polish women seeking abortions. From now on, abortions in Poland will only be allowed in instances of rape or incest, or if there is a threat to the mother's life.

Ukraine activist in nude protest against Polish abortion ban

Protesters targeted Catholic churches across Poland on Sunday in the fourth straight day of upheaval against a near-total ban on abortion in the EU country.

Demonstrators chanted "we've had enough!" and "barbarians" inside a church in the western city of Poznan, according to a video clip posted on social media, in scenes that were repeated across the deeply Catholic country.

The protesters were reacting to Thursday's ruling by Poland's constitutional court that an existing law allowing the abortion of damaged foetuses was "incompatible" with the constitution.

The verdict is in line with the position of Poland's powerful Roman Catholic episcopate and the governing nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party.

Protesters, brandishing placards bearing expletives and others saying "I wish I could abort my government", skirmished with police and supporters of the ban outside a landmark church in central Warsaw.

Local media also ran pictures of graffiti daubed on church walls in various cities and towns reading "Women's hell" -- the main slogan of the protests.

Thousands of people -- most of them women -- also rallied in the cities of Gdansk, Krakow, Lodz, Rzeszow as well as dozens of traditionally more conservative towns, echoing mass protests held across Poland since Thursday in defiance of strict limits on public gathering under anti-coronavirus measures.

Opponents of the ruling argue it puts women's lives at risk by forcing them to carry unviable pregnancies but supporters insist it will prevent the abortion of foetuses diagnosed with Down Syndrome.&nbsp;

There are already fewer than 2,000 legal abortions per year in Poland -- and the vast majority of those are carried out due to damaged &nbsp;foetuses.&nbsp;

But women's groups estimate that up to 200,000 procedures are performed illegally or abroad each year.

The abortion verdict drew condemnation from several human rights groups in Europe and the Council of Europe, the continent's leading human rights organisation.

Protesters targeted Catholic churches across Poland on Sunday in the fourth straight day of upheaval against a near-total ban on abortion in the EU country. Demonstrators chanted "we've had enough!

Protesters targeted Catholic churches across Poland on Sunday in the fourth straight day of upheaval against a near-total ban on abortion in the EU country. Demonstrators chanted "we've had enough!" and "barbarians" inside a church in the western city of Poznan, according to a video clip posted on social media, in scenes that were repeated across the deeply Catholic country. The protesters were reacting to Thursday's ruling by Poland's constitutional court that an existing law allowing the abortion of damaged foetuses was "incompatible" with the constitution. The verdict is in line with the position of Poland's powerful Roman Catholic episcopate and the governing nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party. Protesters, brandishing placards bearing expletives and others saying "I wish I could abort my government", skirmished with police and supporters of the ban outside a landmark church in central Warsaw. Local media also ran pictures of graffiti daubed on church walls in various cities and towns reading "Women's hell" -- the main slogan of the protests. Thousands of people -- most of them women -- also rallied in the cities of Gdansk, Krakow, Lodz, Rzeszow as well as dozens of traditionally more conservative towns, echoing mass protests held across Poland since Thursday in defiance of strict limits on public gathering under anti-coronavirus measures. Opponents of the ruling argue it puts women's lives at risk by forcing them to carry unviable pregnancies but supporters insist it will prevent the abortion of foetuses diagnosed with Down Syndrome. There are already fewer than 2,000 legal abortions per year in Poland -- and the vast majority of those are carried out due to damaged foetuses. But women's groups estimate that up to 200,000 procedures are performed illegally or abroad each year. The abortion verdict drew condemnation from several human rights groups in Europe and the Council of Europe, the continent's leading human rights organisation.

Protesters target churches over Poland's near-total abortion ban

The US Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a major abortion case for the first time since President Donald Trump appointed two new conservative justices -- with the future of the procedure potentially at stake.

What may be the most significant case on the subject in decades centers on a law in the state of Louisiana that requires doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.

Groups who support abortion rights argue that the law would severely restrict access to the practice and lead to the closure of two of three remaining clinics in the southern state.

The measure is almost identical to Texas legislation that the Supreme Court struck down in 2016, deeming it too restrictive.

"Nothing has changed that would justify such a legal about-face," said Julie Rikelman, who is arguing the case on behalf of the plaintiff, a Louisiana abortion clinic.

The case, June Medical Services v Russo, is the first on the divisive issue to come before the court since Trump's two conservative appointees -- Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh -- joined the nine-member bench.

Kavanaugh replaced former justice Anthony Kennedy, who had sided with the court's four left-leaning justices to block the Texas law.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Kavanaugh seemed to suggest that the Texas and Louisiana laws were not one and the same and should be treated on a "state by state" basis.

Galvanized activists

Appointment of the two new justices galvanized anti-abortion activists in the country's conservative "Bible Belt," and several states have passed tough laws restricting the practice. A ban in Alabama even covered cases of rape.

That and most of those other laws have been struck down by lower courts, but anti-abortion groups are hoping to force the Supreme Court to revisit Roe v Wade, the landmark 1973 case that legalized a woman's right to an abortion.

If the court were to reverse itself on the Texas law, for example, it could signify that it is also ready to do so on Roe.

Trump, who years ago described himself as "pro-choice in every respect," has flip-flopped to become a staunch opponent of abortion as he seeks to rally evangelical Christians behind his re-election campaign.

On Wednesday, protesters from both sides of the debate were stationed in front of the Supreme Court, where Dennis McKirahan, a 75-year-old abortion opponent from Cincinnati, said "we must stop killing babies."

Not far away, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer hit out at Gorsuch and Kavanaugh by name. He said they would "pay the price" if additional curbs on access to abortion were allowed.

Chief Justice John Roberts sharply rebuked him, calling the comments "threatening" and "dangerous."

'Protecting women'

A ruling in the case is expected in June, just months ahead of the November presidential vote.

The Trump administration, along with more than 200 Republican members of Congress, is backing Louisiana authorities in the case.

The lawmakers argued in a supporting brief that the case illustrates the "unworkability of the 'right to abortion' found in Roe" and questioned whether it should be "reconsidered and, if appropriate, overruled."

Louisiana Solicitor General Elizabeth Murrill, who helped argue the case for the state, said the law aims to protect women in the event of complications and ensure "continuity of care."

Rikelman maintained, however, that the law provided no medical benefit and would leave only one doctor and clinic available to perform the procedure in the state, where about 10,000 abortions are carried out every year.

The court's progressive justices appeared to agree. Ruth Bader Ginsburg asserted that "most of these abortions don't have any complications."

Her colleague Elena Kagan noted that some hospitals did not want to be associated with abortion providers.

The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 vote, blocked the application of the Louisiana law in February 2019 but without delivering a final decision. Roberts joined the four liberal justices on the bench in temporarily blocking the law.&nbsp;

He is seen as the key vote this time around.

chp/bfm-sst/it

The US Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a major abortion case for the first time since President Donald Trump appointed two new conservative justices -- with the future of the procedure potentially at stake.

The US Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a major abortion case for the first time since President Donald Trump appointed two new conservative justices -- with the future of the procedure potentially at stake. What may be the most significant case on the subject in decades centers on a law in the state of Louisiana that requires doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Groups who support abortion rights argue that the law would severely restrict access to the practice and lead to the closure of two of three remaining clinics in the southern state. The measure is almost identical to Texas legislation that the Supreme Court struck down in 2016, deeming it too restrictive. "Nothing has changed that would justify such a legal about-face," said Julie Rikelman, who is arguing the case on behalf of the plaintiff, a Louisiana abortion clinic. The case, June Medical Services v Russo, is the first on the divisive issue to come before the court since Trump's two conservative appointees -- Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh -- joined the nine-member bench. Kavanaugh replaced former justice Anthony Kennedy, who had sided with the court's four left-leaning justices to block the Texas law. On Wednesday, Kavanaugh seemed to suggest that the Texas and Louisiana laws were not one and the same and should be treated on a "state by state" basis. Galvanized activists Appointment of the two new justices galvanized anti-abortion activists in the country's conservative "Bible Belt," and several states have passed tough laws restricting the practice. A ban in Alabama even covered cases of rape. That and most of those other laws have been struck down by lower courts, but anti-abortion groups are hoping to force the Supreme Court to revisit Roe v Wade, the landmark 1973 case that legalized a woman's right to an abortion. If the court were to reverse itself on the Texas law, for example, it could signify that it is also ready to do so on Roe. Trump, who years ago described himself as "pro-choice in every respect," has flip-flopped to become a staunch opponent of abortion as he seeks to rally evangelical Christians behind his re-election campaign. On Wednesday, protesters from both sides of the debate were stationed in front of the Supreme Court, where Dennis McKirahan, a 75-year-old abortion opponent from Cincinnati, said "we must stop killing babies." Not far away, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer hit out at Gorsuch and Kavanaugh by name. He said they would "pay the price" if additional curbs on access to abortion were allowed. Chief Justice John Roberts sharply rebuked him, calling the comments "threatening" and "dangerous." 'Protecting women' A ruling in the case is expected in June, just months ahead of the November presidential vote. The Trump administration, along with more than 200 Republican members of Congress, is backing Louisiana authorities in the case. The lawmakers argued in a supporting brief that the case illustrates the "unworkability of the 'right to abortion' found in Roe" and questioned whether it should be "reconsidered and, if appropriate, overruled." Louisiana Solicitor General Elizabeth Murrill, who helped argue the case for the state, said the law aims to protect women in the event of complications and ensure "continuity of care." Rikelman maintained, however, that the law provided no medical benefit and would leave only one doctor and clinic available to perform the procedure in the state, where about 10,000 abortions are carried out every year. The court's progressive justices appeared to agree. Ruth Bader Ginsburg asserted that "most of these abortions don't have any complications." Her colleague Elena Kagan noted that some hospitals did not want to be associated with abortion providers. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 vote, blocked the application of the Louisiana law in February 2019 but without delivering a final decision. Roberts joined the four liberal justices on the bench in temporarily blocking the law. He is seen as the key vote this time around. chp/bfm-sst/it

US Supreme Court hears case that could set future of abortion

The inauguration of Argentina's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentinas-president-elect-vows-to-make-good-on-debt-without-austerity-measures-263268">president-elect Alberto Fernandez</a> next month has reignited a debate over the legalization of abortion, a year after conservatives narrowly blocked its decriminalization, leaving the country bitterly divided over the issue.

Fernandez, a leftist Peronist, pledged last week he would move to legalize abortion as soon as the new government takes over on December 10.

"I am an activist for an end to the criminalization of abortion," Fernandez, 60, said in an interview, adding that he would send a bill to Congress.&nbsp;

However, he did not say whether he would seek to decriminalize abortion or legalize it as demanded by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abortion-effectively-decriminalised-in-australia-as-new-south-wales-passes-new-bill-252101">feminist movements</a>.

Fernandez already appears to have nailed his colors firmly to the mast on the issue. He recently attended the launch of "We are Belen" a book telling the story of a young woman who ran afoul of Argentina's strict anti-abortion laws.&nbsp;

After suffering a miscarriage, Belen was jailed for 29 months for an abortion, before eventually being acquitted by a court.

In a foreword for the book, Canadian author Margaret Atwood said Argentina "provided some of the real-life practices that I included in The Handmaid's Tale, especially the theft of babies perpetrated during the military dictatorship."

"How many other Belens are there in the world? How many women have died because they were afraid of going to a hospital because of an abortion, spontaneous or provoked, terrified of the possibility of being accused of murder?"

At the book launch in Buenos Aires, Fernandez posed for pictures with pro-abortion activists and their emblematic green scarves, a clear gesture of support.

Last year, a bill to decriminalize abortion up to the 14th week of pregnancy was narrowly adopted by the Chamber of Deputies but defeated in the Senate, under strong pressure from the still-powerful Catholic Church.

Argentina novelist and activist Claudia Pineiro, said "abortion is back at the center of debate because Alberto Fernandez is disposed to legalizing it."

"I think he has to decriminalize it and legalize it, but to do that he has to proceed in stages: maybe he should first consider decriminalization and then legalization."&nbsp;

"You can't go fight with all your guns blazing at once, because there are very powerful forces lined up on the other side."

In Pope Francis's homeland, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gay-marriage-abortion-laws-liberalised-in-northern-ireland-257395">abortion</a> is punishable by up to four years in prison, and allowable only in cases of rape or if there is a risk to the life of the mother.

Fernandez taking a position has irked conservatives, like the Archbishop of La Plata, Victor Manuel Fernandez.

"If I could talk to Alberto, I would ask him if it's worth starting his mandate off with an issue that has been so divisive for Argentinians,"&nbsp;the archbishop wrote in an open letter.

Fernandez's abortion plan is "unfortunate," said Ruben Proietti, head of the Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches in Argentina, ACIERA.&nbsp;

Proietti last year helped mobilize half a million people onto the streets to counter the feminist pro-abortion lobby as both sides held rival mass protests. The pro-abortion activists wore green scarves to symbolize their cause, and the anti-abortion groups wore baby blue.

Proietti promised to bring "even more than before" onto the streets if Fernandez follows through on his plan.

Feminist groups, which have grown in power in Argentina over the past year, say they will not give up the fight.

"The strategy is to continue to put pressure, to continue the campaign," said Martha Rosenberg, a leader of the pro-abortion movement in Argentina.

"We have work to do," she said.

According to NGOs, between 370,000 and 520,000 clandestine abortions are performed every year, more than 1,200 a day.

Kena is one of the many women who were left "on the verge of death" after having a clandestine abortion.

"I am poor and I have six children. I couldn't have a seventh," she told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"My partner told me feeding seven is the same as feeding six, and I told him, no, there won't be seventh eating."

Although she had the abortion more than 20 years ago, it left her "suffering a lot".&nbsp;

"I want abortion to be legal. I saved myself, but there are thousands of women who don't save themselves."

According to the latest survey on beliefs and attitudes in Argentina, the number of people who believe abortion is a woman's right has doubled from 14.1 per cent in 2008 to 27.3 per cent in 2019.

The inauguration of Argentina's president-elect Alberto Fernandez next month has reignited a debate over the legalization of abortion, a year after conservatives narrowly blocked its decriminalization, leaving the country bitterly divided over the issue.

The inauguration of Argentina's president-elect Alberto Fernandez next month has reignited a debate over the legalization of abortion, a year after conservatives narrowly blocked its decriminalization, leaving the country bitterly divided over the issue. Fernandez, a leftist Peronist, pledged last week he would move to legalize abortion as soon as the new government takes over on December 10. "I am an activist for an end to the criminalization of abortion," Fernandez, 60, said in an interview, adding that he would send a bill to Congress. However, he did not say whether he would seek to decriminalize abortion or legalize it as demanded by feminist movements. Fernandez already appears to have nailed his colors firmly to the mast on the issue. He recently attended the launch of "We are Belen" a book telling the story of a young woman who ran afoul of Argentina's strict anti-abortion laws. After suffering a miscarriage, Belen was jailed for 29 months for an abortion, before eventually being acquitted by a court. In a foreword for the book, Canadian author Margaret Atwood said Argentina "provided some of the real-life practices that I included in The Handmaid's Tale, especially the theft of babies perpetrated during the military dictatorship." "How many other Belens are there in the world? How many women have died because they were afraid of going to a hospital because of an abortion, spontaneous or provoked, terrified of the possibility of being accused of murder?" At the book launch in Buenos Aires, Fernandez posed for pictures with pro-abortion activists and their emblematic green scarves, a clear gesture of support. Last year, a bill to decriminalize abortion up to the 14th week of pregnancy was narrowly adopted by the Chamber of Deputies but defeated in the Senate, under strong pressure from the still-powerful Catholic Church. Argentina novelist and activist Claudia Pineiro, said "abortion is back at the center of debate because Alberto Fernandez is disposed to legalizing it." "I think he has to decriminalize it and legalize it, but to do that he has to proceed in stages: maybe he should first consider decriminalization and then legalization." "You can't go fight with all your guns blazing at once, because there are very powerful forces lined up on the other side." In Pope Francis's homeland, abortion is punishable by up to four years in prison, and allowable only in cases of rape or if there is a risk to the life of the mother. Fernandez taking a position has irked conservatives, like the Archbishop of La Plata, Victor Manuel Fernandez. "If I could talk to Alberto, I would ask him if it's worth starting his mandate off with an issue that has been so divisive for Argentinians," the archbishop wrote in an open letter. Fernandez's abortion plan is "unfortunate," said Ruben Proietti, head of the Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches in Argentina, ACIERA. Proietti last year helped mobilize half a million people onto the streets to counter the feminist pro-abortion lobby as both sides held rival mass protests. The pro-abortion activists wore green scarves to symbolize their cause, and the anti-abortion groups wore baby blue. Proietti promised to bring "even more than before" onto the streets if Fernandez follows through on his plan. Feminist groups, which have grown in power in Argentina over the past year, say they will not give up the fight. "The strategy is to continue to put pressure, to continue the campaign," said Martha Rosenberg, a leader of the pro-abortion movement in Argentina. "We have work to do," she said. According to NGOs, between 370,000 and 520,000 clandestine abortions are performed every year, more than 1,200 a day. Kena is one of the many women who were left "on the verge of death" after having a clandestine abortion. "I am poor and I have six children. I couldn't have a seventh," she told AFP on condition of anonymity. "My partner told me feeding seven is the same as feeding six, and I told him, no, there won't be seventh eating." Although she had the abortion more than 20 years ago, it left her "suffering a lot". "I want abortion to be legal. I saved myself, but there are thousands of women who don't save themselves." According to the latest survey on beliefs and attitudes in Argentina, the number of people who believe abortion is a woman's right has doubled from 14.1 per cent in 2008 to 27.3 per cent in 2019.

Argentina's leftist president-elect reignites abortion debate

The US Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear a challenge to restrictive abortion law in Louisiana, taking up a flashpoint issue that will serve as a test for two new conservative judges appointed by President Donald Trump.

The nine justices will examine the merits of an abortion law adopted in 2014 in the conservative southern state.

The court issued an injunction in February blocking the law from taking effect, but without ruling on what it actually stipulates.

A decision in the case would come before the end of the Supreme Court's term in June 2020, just months before the US presidential election.

The law states that doctors at Louisiana abortion clinics must have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles (50 kilometres) of where the procedure is being carried out.

Abortion rights advocates say this restriction is extreme and would force the closure of most of the state's clinics, leaving it with just one doctor authorised to perform abortions.

Louisiana says the stipulation in the law is needed because of the risk of a complication arising during abortions and the need to be able to transfer a patient to a nearby hospital.

Around 10,000 abortions are performed each year in the state.

'Hanging by a thread'

After years of legal wrangling, a federal appeals court upheld the law last year.

Critics of the bill filed an urgent lawsuit with the Supreme Court and just as the law was about to take effect in February, the high court voted 5-4 to block it -- but did not rule on the law's merits.

In June 2016, the court struck down a Texas abortion law similar to the one it will now consider.

The Supreme Court's deliberations will come right in the middle of the 2020 presidential campaign -- and its eventual ruling will be the first meaty decision on the hot-button issue since Trump appointed Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, shifting the court's balance to the right.

In February, the pair voted to allow the Louisiana law to take effect.

But Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative who voted in favour of the Texas law, sided with the four progressives on the bench in suspending the Louisiana measure.

On both sides of the abortion debate, people are watching to see what Roberts does now.

"Access to abortion is hanging by a thread in this country, and this case is what could snap that thread," said Alexis McGill, acting president and CEO of Planned Parenthood.

Jennifer Dalven, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Reproductive Freedom Project, said the high court could only strike down the Louisiana law if it follows its own precedent from the Texas case.

"If the rule of law means anything, it means that the Court cannot sit by and watch as the lower court thumbs its nose at Supreme Court precedent and at people's constitutional rights," she said.

On the other side of the debate, Katrina Jackson, a lawmaker who helped write the Louisiana law, urged the court to reverse or at least alter the precedent set with the Texas law.

"Abortion has known medical risks, and the women of this state who are often coerced into abortion deserve to have the same standard of care required for other surgical procedures," Jackson wrote in a statement published by pressure group Louisiana Right to Life.

The US Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear a challenge to restrictive abortion law in Louisiana, taking up a flashpoint issue that will serve as a test for two new conservative judges appointed by President Donald Trump.

The US Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear a challenge to restrictive abortion law in Louisiana, taking up a flashpoint issue that will serve as a test for two new conservative judges appointed by President Donald Trump. The nine justices will examine the merits of an abortion law adopted in 2014 in the conservative southern state. The court issued an injunction in February blocking the law from taking effect, but without ruling on what it actually stipulates. A decision in the case would come before the end of the Supreme Court's term in June 2020, just months before the US presidential election. The law states that doctors at Louisiana abortion clinics must have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles (50 kilometres) of where the procedure is being carried out. Abortion rights advocates say this restriction is extreme and would force the closure of most of the state's clinics, leaving it with just one doctor authorised to perform abortions. Louisiana says the stipulation in the law is needed because of the risk of a complication arising during abortions and the need to be able to transfer a patient to a nearby hospital. Around 10,000 abortions are performed each year in the state. 'Hanging by a thread' After years of legal wrangling, a federal appeals court upheld the law last year. Critics of the bill filed an urgent lawsuit with the Supreme Court and just as the law was about to take effect in February, the high court voted 5-4 to block it -- but did not rule on the law's merits. In June 2016, the court struck down a Texas abortion law similar to the one it will now consider. The Supreme Court's deliberations will come right in the middle of the 2020 presidential campaign -- and its eventual ruling will be the first meaty decision on the hot-button issue since Trump appointed Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, shifting the court's balance to the right. In February, the pair voted to allow the Louisiana law to take effect. But Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative who voted in favour of the Texas law, sided with the four progressives on the bench in suspending the Louisiana measure. On both sides of the abortion debate, people are watching to see what Roberts does now. "Access to abortion is hanging by a thread in this country, and this case is what could snap that thread," said Alexis McGill, acting president and CEO of Planned Parenthood. Jennifer Dalven, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Reproductive Freedom Project, said the high court could only strike down the Louisiana law if it follows its own precedent from the Texas case. "If the rule of law means anything, it means that the Court cannot sit by and watch as the lower court thumbs its nose at Supreme Court precedent and at people's constitutional rights," she said. On the other side of the debate, Katrina Jackson, a lawmaker who helped write the Louisiana law, urged the court to reverse or at least alter the precedent set with the Texas law. "Abortion has known medical risks, and the women of this state who are often coerced into abortion deserve to have the same standard of care required for other surgical procedures," Jackson wrote in a statement published by pressure group Louisiana Right to Life.

US Supreme Court agrees to hear case on restrictive abortion law

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