Latest news with #Congreso
Reuters
5 days ago
- Health
- Reuters
Latin America's abortion rights in spotlight as Chile debates legalization
MEXICO CITY, June 5 (Reuters) - Chile's Congress is set to begin debating a bill that could make abortion legal on request nationwide, a debate which could have ripple effects across Latin America as a rift grows between nations making reproductive choices more accessible and those hardening legislation against abortion. Major Latin American countries like Mexico and Argentina provide broad access to abortion, while a Supreme Court case in Brazil seeking to expand access has been stalled for eight years. Although some countries have recently expanded abortion rights amid a wave of progressive politics, most still ban abortion in all or nearly all cases. Cuba became Latin America's first country to decriminalize abortion in 1965, decades ahead of its neighbors. Public hospitals provide the procedure free up to 12 weeks, with later abortions allowed in certain cases. These cases - rape or incest, fetal non-viability or risk to the woman's health or life - are commonly known as the "tres causales" (three reasons) and serve as a key reference across the region. Guyana legalized abortion in 1995, allowing it on request up to 8 weeks, with some extensions. Uruguay legalized abortion on request in 2012 up to 12 weeks, while Chile in 2017 eased a total ban to the tres causales restriction up to 12 weeks. In 2020 Argentina legalized abortion up to 14 weeks. Since President Javier Milei took office, some groups have raised concerns about cuts to funding and limited access to related healthcare. In 2022, Colombia — which had earlier legalized abortion under the tres causales — decriminalized abortion up to 24 weeks, placing it among the world's more permissive countries. Mexico ruled criminal penalties for abortion unconstitutional in 2021 and reaffirmed this with a broader ruling in 2023, but as of today 10 of 32 administrative entities have yet to update their local laws. Much of Latin America currently allows abortion in limited cases - many use the "tres causales", and others allow for a broader set of reasons including mental health, economic constraints and social issues. Few countries allow abortion beyond the first three months. Brazil, the region's most populous nation with some 211 million inhabitants, currently allows abortion only with the "tres causales", specifically if the fetus is missing parts of its brain or skull. A Supreme Court case seeking to decriminalize abortion was filed in 2017 but remains on pause. Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay, Bolivia and Venezuela have limited access broadly aligned with the "tres causales", though many restrict it to situations where the woman's life is at risk, while pregnant women living in Central America and the Caribbean are broadly subject to stricter laws. Even in countries where abortion is legally permitted under certain conditions, barriers such as limited medical infrastructure, provider reluctance, and documentation requirements can make access difficult. In many cases, pregnancies must meet strict timelines or legal proof standards. Much of Central America and the Caribbean ban abortion in all or most cases. Countries with complete bans include Nicaragua, which ended exceptions even for life-threatening pregnancies in 2006; Honduras, where a 2021 constitutional amendment makes reversal unlikely; and El Salvador, which enforces some of the region's strictest penalties. El Salvador's constitution recognizes life from conception, and women have received decades-long prison sentences for abortion-related charges, even when advocates argue the cases were miscarriages or even newborn deaths. As of now, no women are imprisoned under these charges, but President Nayib Bukele has said he will not change the law. Haiti and the Dominican Republic, which share the Caribbean island on Hispaniola, ban abortion in all circumstances. Dominican activists are seeking legalization under the "tres causales" but efforts have stalled. In Haiti, a penal code that would have decriminalized abortion up to 12 weeks was delayed after the president's assassination in 2021. A worsening armed conflict has led to widespread sexual violence, a failing health system and mass insecurity, forcing many pregnant women to seek care across the Dominican border. Activists say pregnant Haitians have been targeted in Dominican deportations. In 2013, the Dominican Republic changed its law to revoke its nationality from children born to Haitian parents.
Yemenat
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yemenat
The Power of Art in Activism Through the Vision of Brian Carlson
At the heart of every protest, where voices of dissent rise and banners demand human rights, American activist and visual artist Brian Carlson stands out. He moves through the crowds, holding paintings that convey silent yet powerful messages, offering a poignant reflection of the struggles and hopes of the people. Through rich colors and expressive forms, Brian captures the plight of the marginalized, giving voice to those who are often overlooked. His presence not only highlights the urgency of the issues at hand but also underscores the transformative power of art in the fight for justice. Yesterday afternoon, June 4. he found himself once again in front of Congreso, the building where Argentina's Congress meets. A significant demonstration was taking place, advocating for the rights of retired citizens, known as 'jubilados.' The rally also included many protesting against the hyper-right-wing extremist President, Javier Milei. Like many right-wing extremists, Milei is cutting government assistance to countless citizens, using a theatrical prop—a chainsaw—that symbolizes his radical approach, despite likely never having operated one for its intended purpose. The demonstration was too large for authorities to disperse with tear gas, although a palpable tension suggested that such repression might occur later in the evening. Brian carried two paintings to the protest. One depicted photojournalist Pablo Grillo, who nearly lost his life during a previous demonstration when a tear gas canister was fired directly at his head. Grillo survived only after undergoing six operations and had just been released from the hospital weeks earlier. The other painting was based on a real photograph showing Argentinian police repressing a retired citizen. In a touching moment, he stood alongside the photojournalist who took the original picture of Grillo, the inspiration for his painting. It was a delight to meet him and receive his approval of the artwork. To stand in solidarity with human rights issues is to merge contributions and collaborate rather than control. It involves sitting in a circle with many others—a large circle devoid of hierarchy—and adding one's drops of water, abilities, thoughts, and words into a single bowl. This collective effort combines into a larger river of human rights, allowing everyone to be swept up in its current and experience the beauty of solidarity and shared purpose.
Reuters
21-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
El Salvador Congress passes law taxing foreign donations to NGOs
SAN SALVADOR, May 20 (Reuters) - El Salvador's Congress approved a law on Tuesday that levies a 30% tax on transactions from foreign donors to local organizations in a crackdown on "foreign agents" that critics say will boost state control over non-governmental organizations. The law will come to effect eight days after it has been published in the official gazette.
Bloomberg
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Argentina Senate Votes Down Bill Barring Former Leader Kirchner
Argentina's Congress rejected a bill authored by President Javier Milei Wednesday, leaving open the possibility that former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner could again run for the nation's top office. Senators voted for the bill 36 votes to 35, just short of the 37 needed to pass, with no abstentions, after the lower house approved the same bill in February. Known locally as ficha limpia, or 'clean slate,' the bill would have effectively barred Fernandez de Kirchner and others convicted of corruption charges from running for or being appointed to any national office.
