Milei says legal abortion ‘madness’ is ‘costing Argentina dearly’

President Javier Milei has accused Argentina's feminist movement and legalization of abortion of being a "madness" that is "costing" the country "dearly." Speaking at a conference in Buenos Aires, the president linked the country's falling birth rate to the legalisation of abortion, which he characterized as a "madness." According to Milei, Argentina is not experiencing population growth that allows for replacement, and the "passion for murdering children in the mother's womb" is costing the nation growth and pension system stability.

An August UNFPA report confirmed Argentina's demographic transformation, with fertility falling to 1.2 children per woman in 2024, well below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman. The report attributed the decline to factors such as financial constraints, job insecurity, housing difficulties, and lack of childcare options.

Although Milei has not introduced a bill to repeal the 2020 abortion law, non-governmental organizations claim his administration has dismantled programs and institutions supporting sexual and reproductive health, creating practical barriers to accessing legal abortion. Experts stress that living standards and future optimism are crucial factors in the decision to have children.