Argentina’s Senate cast a historic vote early Wednesday: Lawmakers approved legislation that legalizes elective abortion, making Argentina the largest country in Latin America to do so.
On Tuesday, the bill went up for debate in the Argentine Senate. Earlier this month, the legislation, which makes abortion legal during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, was handily approved by Argentina’s House of Deputies. Previously, abortion has been legally allowed in Argentina only in instances of incest, rape or to save the life of the mother. In Cuba, Guyana, Uruguay and parts of Mexico, elective abortion is legal.
While lawmakers debated the legislation, the country itself has been torn over the issue. Argentina is predominantly Roman Catholic — it is both the birthplace of Pope Francis and home to a growing feminist movement.
Below you’ll find images of activists on both sides before and after the Senate vote.