Dr. Eva Barrionuevo: Defending Abortion Rights Amid Growing Challenges in Argentina

Dr. Eva Barrionuevo, a physician in La Rioja, Argentina, emphasizes the rising misinformation and intimidation surrounding abortion rights during President Javier Milei’s presidency. Women mistakenly believe abortion is illegal, leading to delays in care and a resurgence of dangerous practices. Barrionuevo, along with fellow professionals, advocates for women’s rights in healthcare amidst these growing challenges.

Dr. Eva Barrionuevo, a physician based in La Rioja, Argentina, highlights alarming misinformation regarding abortion rights amid President Javier Milei’s administration. Many women believe abortion is illegal due to his statements equating voluntary termination with aggravated murder, leading to delayed medical care and a return to the use of unsafe clandestine methods. Barrionuevo remains committed to ensuring women retain their right to choose, a right obtained in 2020, which is under threat.

The province of La Rioja, with nearly 400,000 residents and an area comparable to Maine, reflects significant influence from the Catholic Church, which is evident in its senators’ votes against abortion legislation. Despite public opposition, private abortions continued, revealing a contrast between societal norms and personal practices. This dichotomy poses challenges for healthcare providers like Barrionuevo and her colleagues.

Having experienced political struggle through her parents’ history as political prisoners, Barrionuevo’s journey to provide legal abortion services was fraught with obstacles. Many obstetricians opted out, leaving family physicians and specialists like her to perform these essential procedures. During her initial attempts to provide these services, hospital officials impeded her efforts, compelling her to take matters into her own hands. She organized an illegal procedure in a locked hospital office amidst threats and hostility from peers.

Barrionuevo recalls the dangerous circumstances they faced: “The doctor stood in the doorway to keep them from entering and the psychologist tried to keep the patient calm.” Ultimately, they persevered, as this was a pivotal moment to assert their right to practice medicine without intimidation. However, with the current government, conditions have rapidly declined, leaving them overly vulnerable to outside pressures.

The current government has further exacerbated the situation by attempting to repeal abortion rights and limiting access to abortion medications. Hospitals are facing challenges in providing services due to misinformation and external barriers, forcing women to seek help in multiple locations without guarantees of care. Furthermore, healthcare budget cuts and restricted access to contraceptives threaten public health and increase the risks faced by women.

To counter these growing challenges, professionals like Barrionuevo have formed online alliances for support and activism: “We’re not going to give up,” she asserts. They plan to rally on International Women’s Day, demonstrating their commitment to fight for women’s rights, which they recognize must be actively preserved.

In summary, Dr. Eva Barrionuevo’s experiences illustrate the ongoing struggle for abortion rights in Argentina, particularly in the context of rising misinformation and political challenges under President Javier Milei. The obstacles faced by healthcare professionals and women seeking reproductive services highlight the precariousness of these rights. Barrionuevo’s commitment to advocacy and support for her colleagues reflects a strong resistance against the threats posed to women’s autonomy and healthcare access.

Original Source: english.elpais.com