Doctor Eva Barrionuevo: Protecting Abortion Rights in Argentina…

Dr. Eva Barrionuevo, a physician in Argentina, highlights the decline of abortion rights, worsened by misinformation and opposition under President Javier Milei. Women are increasingly misinformed about the legality of abortion and face delays accessing care. Barrionuevo is committed to advocating for women’s rights, despite significant healthcare challenges, including medication shortages and institutional resistance. The fight for reproductive rights requires ongoing vigilance and solidarity among healthcare professionals.

Dr. Eva Barrionuevo, a physician in La Rioja, Argentina, highlights the alarming rise in misinformation about abortion rights under President Javier Milei’s administration. Many women mistakenly believe that abortion is illegal due to Milei’s rhetoric equating it with “aggravated murder.” Consequently, patients are arriving late for procedures, often resorting to outdated and unsafe methods, jeopardizing their health. Barrionuevo is committed to advocating for women’s rights, which were secured in 2020 but are increasingly threatened now.

In La Rioja, with a population under 400,000 and a significant area of 35,000 square miles, the influence of the Catholic Church remains strong, impacting Senatorial votes on abortion legislation. The legalization of abortion was met with significant resistance, including absent votes from representatives. Nonetheless, the law initiated vital discussions in a culture that frequently terminated pregnancies in secrecy despite vocal opposition to abortion.

Barrionuevo, whose family suffered during Argentina’s dictatorship, is no stranger to struggle. The implementation of legal abortion faced hurdles as many obstetricians claimed conscientious objections, often leaving the tasks to family physicians. After her training in 2021, she faced institutional resistance when attempting to perform abortions. During an incident, she and a team conducted a procedure amid threats and harassment from colleagues, marking a turning point in the acceptance of abortion services.

However, following Milei’s presidency, a deterioration in reproductive rights has emerged. Barrionuevo notes that anti-abortion rhetoric has emboldened extremists, intimidating women seeking abortions and those assisting them. The situation has worsened, with government-backed initiatives attempting to roll back abortion rights, leading to scarcity of necessary medications and increasing obstacles at medical facilities.

The government’s healthcare budget cuts intensify these issues, limiting contraceptive distribution and jeopardizing sexual health, especially in under-resourced provinces. Barrionuevo and her colleagues are organizing to resist these challenges through solidarity and advocacy. They are determined to continue their fight for women’s rights, pledging to demonstrate publicly to shed light on these critical issues facing reproductive health in Argentina.

Dr. Eva Barrionuevo’s efforts illuminate the precarious state of abortion rights in Argentina following the election of President Javier Milei. Misinformation, institutional resistance, and resource scarcity pose significant challenges to women seeking reproductive healthcare. Despite these adversities, Barrionuevo and her colleagues remain resolute in their fight for a woman’s right to choose, emphasizing the necessity of collective action and resilience in preserving these essential rights.

Original Source: english.elpais.com