Argentine Congress begins debate on legal elective abortion

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentina’s legislature has begun debating a measure that would allow elective abortions in the first 14 weeks of gestation. It’s a debate that has sharply divided the homeland of Pope Francis.

Crowds of supporters and opponents of the measure have been watching the debate on large screens set up outside Congress. Abortion-rights student demonstrators also occupied about a dozen public schools in the capital.

A close vote is likely on Thursday. If it passes, the measure would go to the Senate.

President Mauricio Macri says he opposes abortion, but would not veto the bill.

Argentina now allows abortion only in cases of rape or risks to a woman’s health.

The Catholic Church strongly opposes the new measure.