Thousands in Argentina pro-choice rally

Thousands of Argentinians have demonstrated in favour of the liberalisation of abortion in the country, where 14 per cent of maternity-related deaths are caused by clandestine abortions.

"Sexual education in order to decide, contraception in order not to abort and legal abortion in order not to die," was the motto of the demonstrations taking place in different cities.

Between 370,000 and 522,000 Argentinian women undergo clandestine abortions annually, according to official estimates.

Attempts to legalise abortion have nevertheless failed six times over the past 11 years.

Congress is now considering legislation to decriminalise abortion in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Abortion is currently allowed only in cases of rape and when there is a danger posed to the woman's life.