In Argentina, election fight brews over women's rights and abortion

Javier Milei, Argentine presidential candidate for La Libertad Avanza party, gestures to his supporters during a campaign rally, in Buenos Aires, Argentina September 25, 2023. REUTERS/Cristina Sille

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina's presidential election race is putting abortion access and women's rights in the spotlight, sparking fierce debate in a country that has been a pioneer in expanding reproductive rights in Latin America.

The election frontrunner, economist Javier Milei, opposes abortion and wants to hold a referendum on whether the 2020 legalization of abortion before the 14th week of pregnancy should be repealed. He also wants to shut the ministry of women, gender and diversity, which he has called a type of "affirmative action" that is degrading towards women.