[Barriers in access to legal abortion in the public health system in two Argentine jurisdictions: Rosario and Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, 2019-2020].

Abstract

In recent decades, decisive events shaping the political and social context surrounding abortion in Argentina culminated in the passing of the Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy (IVE in Spanish) Law in December 2020. The objective of this article is to explore the main barriers to accessing legal abortions in the public health system faced by women during 2019 and 2020 in two Argentine jurisdictions, Rosario and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Based on an adaptation of the "three phases of delay" framework, surveys and semi-structured interviews with 117 women were conducted. Study participants reported difficulties in accessing information about the places and people to turn to for abortions, and most stated that pregnant individuals lack information regarding their legality. Although the majority of interviewees reported positive experiences with health services, they also identified some administrative and institutional barriers.