Buenos Aires, Argentina, May 14, 2018 / 16:01 pm
As the Argentine congress debates legalizing abortion up to 14 weeks of pregnancy, the country's bishops called for a special time of prayer for life, especially for the unborn child.
"Prayer has a transformational power which will aid the discernment of those who have the responsibility to make a decision of such magnitude," the Argentine bishop's conference stated.
The nation's legislature is considering a bill that would give women legal access to abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. The current law in Argentina prohibits abortion, except when the mother's life or health is determined to be in danger, or in cases of rape.
President Mauricio Macri has encouraged "responsible" debate over the topic, while remaining personally opposed to the legislation, according to the Associated Press. He has said he would not veto the bill if it is passed by congress.