Dr. Eva Barrionuevo battles misinformation about abortion rights in Argentina during Javier Milei’s presidency. Women mistakenly believe abortion is illegal, leading to late terminations and reliance on unsafe methods. Barriers for healthcare providers have re-emerged, threats have increased, and shortages of abortion medications complicate care. Barrionuevo stresses the need for ongoing resistance to preserve reproductive rights.
Dr. Eva Barrionuevo, a dedicated physician in La Rioja, Argentina, highlights a concerning trend during President Javier Milei’s administration: rising misinformation about abortion legality. Many women believe abortion is illegal, leading them to seek assistance later in their pregnancies. This situation has pushed some to revert to dangerous clandestine methods, as they face increasing challenges in accessing legal and safe abortion care established in 2020. Barrionuevo is committed to dispelling these myths while combating the growing intimidation faced by medical professionals who assist in voluntary pregnancy terminations.
La Rioja, with a population of around 400,000 and an area befitting the size of Maine, is marked by the Catholic Church’s considerable influence. This influence contributed to mixed voting outcomes during the legalization efforts of abortion rights on December 30, 2020, with local senators often voting against or abstaining from the bill. Historically, while the public denounces abortion, private practices continued, underscoring a gap in societal beliefs.
Barrionuevo, whose family endured political oppression during Argentina’s dictatorship, faces her own struggle in providing legal abortions in the public health system. Initially, many physicians opted for conscientious objection, relegating the responsibility to a few family doctors like herself, who shifted from cardiology to fulfill this healthcare urgent need. In 2021, she navigated institutional obstacles to perform abortions until one impromptu day, she managed to conduct a procedure under duress from coworkers who threatened violence.
Providing a glimpse into her resolve, Barrionuevo recalls, “The doctor stood in the doorway… from the other side of the door, they told us that if there were any complications, no one would help us.” This moment signified the beginning of a gradual acceptance of abortion services that now feels threatened under the current administration, with the re-emergence of opposition.
Milei’s presidency has rekindled anti-abortion sentiment, facilitating intimidation tactics toward women seeking abortion and healthcare providers that assist them. Barrionuevo notes that numerous hospitals no longer supply abortion medications, compelling women to travel in search of basic reproductive services amidst a backdrop of false information and intimidation at hospital entrances. Furthermore, budget cuts have adversely affected the availability of contraceptives, jeopardizing sexual health and increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancies, especially among marginalized women.
In response to these challenges, professionals like Barrionuevo have united online to bolster their advocacy. “We’re not going to give up,” she affirms. Expressions of solidarity will continue as they gather to protest on International Women’s Day, underscoring their understanding that hard-won rights require persistent defense and vigilance against any erosion of those liberties.
Dr. Eva Barrionuevo’s fight against rising misinformation and intimidation regarding abortion rights in Argentina exemplifies the ongoing battle for women’s healthcare. Despite previous advances, the current political climate poses significant challenges to access and rights, compelling healthcare providers to unite in resistance. Mobilizing for protests and advocacy efforts remains crucial as they seek to preserve reproductive freedoms amidst threats and misinformation.
Original Source: english.elpais.com
