Argentina lawmakers begin abortion debate

Seventy senators, more than half of n men, will define fate of bill that would legalize abortion in Argentina, a deces-old demand from women's movement that could change parigm in a region where its criminalization prevails.

initiative will be discussed in Pope Francis' home country, driven by Alberto Fernández's government.

bill states that women have right to access voluntary termination of pregnancy in first week 14 of gestational process.

Demonstrators for and against bill have taken to streets, mainly outside Congress to express ir opinions.

Areas surrounding Congress buildings have been fenced off.

Senate session will begin at 4 p.m. (local time) Tuesday, and vote, with uncertain results, is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

Hours prior to start of historic session, Pope Francis again disagreed with voluntary termination of pregnancy.

Latin America has some of world's most restrictive abortion laws.

Currently, many women who have an abortion in Argentina, as well as people who assist m with procedure, can face prosecution.

Exemptions are only considered in cases of rape or if pregnancy poses a risk to mor's health.

Tuesday's debate will be chaired by Vice-President and former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (2007-2015), who will only vote if re is a tie.

bill aims to ericate clandestine abortions that have resulted in more than 3,000 deaths in country since 1983, according to authorities.

Every year about 38.000 women are hospitalized for se procedures.