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Thursday July 22, 2010


Argentinean Health Minister in Hot Water Following Attempt to Depenalize Abortions

By Matthew Cullinan Hoffman, Latin America Correspondent

BUENOS AIRES, July 22, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Blasted by representatives of Argentina’s pro-life majority, and threatened with legal action, Argentinean Health Minister Juan Manzur is distancing himself from a new “guide” issued by his agency that would permit women to obtain abortions by signing an oath that they have been raped, and would allow minors to receive abortions against their parents’ will.

While Argentina’s legal code omits criminal penalties only for abortions in cases of the rape of a mentally disabled woman, the guide, which was posted on the ministry’s website yesterday, would expand the exemption to all cases of rape. A woman would need only to swear an oath indicating that she was raped, or file criminal charges. In addition, the new guidelines would prohibit judges from intervening in such cases.

Following an outcry from politicians, religious leaders, and doctors, Manzur began to distance himself from the new Technical Guide for Integral Attention for Non-Punishable Abortions, claiming he had never authorized it.

In a press release, the beleaguered agency stated that “the National Ministry of Health clarifies that its head, Juan Luis Manzur, has not signed any resolution” regarding the Guide.

However, the Guide itself says otherwise, identifying “Ministerial Resolution No. 1184 of July 12, 2010,” as its source of authorization from the Ministry.

In response to questions from the media, the Ministry’s leadership insisted that “it was never signed by the Minister. There was an error and we are recognizing it.” Sources within the Health Ministry reportedly blamed Paula Ferro, director of the National Program for Sexual Health.

Following the posting of the guide, attorney Jorge Luis Vitale filed suit against Manzur and his staff in federal court for “defense of a crime, violation of the obligations of a public functionary, and instigation to commit crimes.”

The president of the Congress’ Committee of Health and Sports, José Cano, lashed out at Manzur as well, promising to “subpoena Minister Manzur so that he can explain his position regarding this topic.”

“It is a document that continues to be displayed on the webpage of the ministry, this document that has not been made official,” he added. “It is a rather sensitive topic and it should be treated in a serious way.”

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