The Politics of Foetal Personhood in Argentina

Conservative Catholic Activism, Religion and Gender

Bibliographic Data

ID6448456
AuthorsGabriela Irrazábal (0000-0003-1611-9084, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume15
Issue3
Pages267-289
Publication date2025-08-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligion and Gender (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1878-5417 • E-ISSN: 2589-8051
PublisherWalter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1163/18785417-tat00035
OpenAlexW4415116457
LanguageEN
References cited3

This article explores the intersection of Catholic conservative religious activism, foetal personhood legislation, and women’s lived experiences of miscarriage in Argentina. It shows how these conservative religious groups instrumentalise the concept of foetal personhood within legislative debates, shaping public policy and directly affecting women’s rights and health. To capture the interplay between macro-level politics and personal experiences, I employ a three-pronged analytical approach, including 1) an example illustrative case of collision between conservative legislative pushes and lived experiences, 2) surveys of women who experienced miscarriage, highlighting a needed woman-centred approach often overlooked in legislative and clinical settings and 3) legislative bill strategies to institutionalise foetal personhood. The article explains how Catholic religious conservatism influences reproductive autonomy and public health in Argentina. This study provides an understanding of the socio-political debate on religion, gender, and reproductive rights in Argentina, demonstrating the impact of religious conservatism on reproductive autonomy and public health

Foucault, Power, and Ethics · Homelessness and Social Issues · Social Policy and Reform Studies

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