Metropolitan Area Of Buenos Aires Research Articles

Psychosocial impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the adult population of Buenos Aires

Background: In March 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus a pandemic, andsince then a remarkably large psychological experiment has been carried out in the world: social isolation.Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of social isolation on healthy habits and psychosocial and behavioralaspects during the confinement and restrictions imposed by the pandemic in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires (AMBA).Methods: An anonymous survey, excluding medical personnel, was carried out through social networks (WhatsApp, Instagram,Facebook and e-mail).Results: Within 7 days of sending the link 2,912 people answered the survey. Age was between 40 and 60 years in 48.2% ofparticipants, with a predominance of women. In 43.53% of cases, respondents perceived changes in their lifestyle, such as atwofold increase of hours in front of electronic devices during quarantine. This was accompanied by a more sedentary lifestyle,since 83.5% exercised before the pandemic but only 6.4% maintained the prior hours of weekly physical activity. Altered eatinghabits was reported by 43.52% of participants and 41% referred symptoms compatible with depression, anxiety, sadness,unwillingness or hopelessness.Conclusions: Our study suggests that psychological wellbeing and healthy habits are threatened by confinement in the face ofthe COVID-19 pandemic, so it is necessary to implement measures to prevent consequences in our population.

FRAGMENTED OR COMPACT: THE CASE OF PERIURBAN MUNICIPALITIES IN THE NORTHWEST OF THE METROPOLITAN AREA OF BUENOS AIRES

Abstract. The accelerated growth of cities since the middle of the last century occupies a prominent place in urban agendas. The development of planning strategies depends on the knowledge and understanding this phenomenon. Therefore, identifying the modification pattern in the spatial configuration is of paramount importance. In this sense, the high level of detail offered by remote sensing technologies makes it possible to estimate the distribution of human settlements and their relationship to other coverages. The information obtained allows to analyze spatial contiguity and general expansion but other indicators are needed to identify spatial singularities. This work aims to present a compaction indicator and fragmentation indicator, useful for identifying local configuration patterns and their temporal variation. The study area consists of the Moreno, Pilar, Gral Rodriguez, Luján and Mercedes municipalities of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires (AMBA) for the period 1986–2019. The results indicate an increase in impervious surfaces higher than 300% in this period and the detection of new urban centres in those municipalities. In the future it is hoped to replicate the techniques presented throughout the AMBA in order to contribute to medium and long-term territorial planning.

Redes de relaciones sociales en el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires: lazos familiares y amistades

En las últimas décadas ha habido un interés creciente en el rol de los lazos sociales y los recursos que estos proveen a cada clase social. Estudios recientes alrededor del mundo han mostrado a partir de la metodología del generador de posiciones que el capital social se distribuye desigualmente entre las clases sociales y es un factor significativo en el logro ocupacional. Estos estudios pueden ser complementados con técnicas de Análisis de Redes Sociales (ARS), que nos permiten observar las estructuras de relaciones subyacentes entre personas en diferentes posiciones de la de estructura de estratificación social. En este artículo se realiza un análisis de redes sociales, agregado al nivel ocupacional, de los lazos fuertes y débiles de los residentes del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires en 2015 con datos provenientes de la encuesta del PI-Clases “Reproducción y movilidad social en trayectorias familiares y cursos de vida” (2015-2016). El análisis se realizará con el software Gephi a partir de información sobre las ocupaciones de los miembros del hogar del encuestado y su mejor amigo. Este análisis permite mapear redes de lazos fuertes y débiles mostrando patrones de relaciones y encontrar los nodos centrales de esta red, puentes que conectan distintas posiciones de clase y fronteras que limitan la interacción entre clases. El análisis mostró que los lazos de amistad y en los hogares se estructuran fuertemente según la posición social, con fronteras de clase marcadas.

Percepciones del tatuaje como expresión cultural en AMBA

El tatuaje representa un fenomeno presente desde los comienzos de la historia de la humanidad. A lo largo de los anos, supo ocupar diferentes roles asociados a distintos significados y utilidades, y se ha convertido en la actualidad en una forma de expresion de los individuos. En este contexto, el objetivo planteado para este estudio fue descubrir las percepciones del tatuaje como elemento cultural. Para alcanzarlo, se llevo a cabo una investigacion descriptiva, de diseno transversal simple, mediante un cuestionario online estructurado y autoadministrado. La muestra se realizo mediante el muestreo bola de nieve y se compuso de 745 individuos que vivian, estudiaban o trabajaban en AMBA (Area Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, Argentina) y tenian entre 18 y 60 anos. Como principal resultado de esta investigacion se destaca la existencia de fuertes correlaciones entre las principales variables culturales del tatuaje (moda que vino para quedarse; prejuicios en el entorno laboral; expresion cultural). Adicionalmente, fue posible desarrollar un modelo predictivo para la percepcion de que el tatuaje representa una expresion cultural, a traves de las otras dos variables culturales mencionadas. Por ultimo, se evidencia la existencia de diferencias significativas que permiten reconocer que los individuos mas jovenes presentan un mayor nivel de acuerdo con la idea de que los tatuajes son una moda que vino para quedarse.

Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Adult Population of Buenos Aires

Background: In March 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus a pandemic, andsince then a remarkably large psychological experiment has been carried out in the world: social isolation.Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of social isolation on healthy habits and psychosocial and behavioralaspects during the confinement and restrictions imposed by the pandemic in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires (AMBA).Methods: An anonymous survey, excluding medical personnel, was carried out through social networks (WhatsApp, Instagram,Facebook and e-mail).Results: Within 7 days of sending the link 2,912 people answered the survey. Age was between 40 and 60 years in 48.2% ofparticipants, with a predominance of women. In 43.53% of cases, respondents perceived changes in their lifestyle, such as atwofold increase of hours in front of electronic devices during quarantine. This was accompanied by a more sedentary lifestyle,since 83.5% exercised before the pandemic but only 6.4% maintained the prior hours of weekly physical activity. Altered eatinghabits was reported by 43.52% of participants and 41% referred symptoms compatible with depression, anxiety, sadness,unwillingness or hopelessness.Conclusions: Our study suggests that psychological wellbeing and healthy habits are threatened by confinement in the face ofthe COVID-19 pandemic, so it is necessary to implement measures to prevent consequences in our population.

Perceptions and Preconceptions about Chicken and Pork Meat: A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Argentine Consumers in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires

In the past, the Argentine livestock production system was based on the extensive breeding that used pastures. However, technological progress and the use of land for soybean production are leading to a strong intensification of beef production, with a negative impact on the environment. According to FAO data, Argentina has the third highest meat consumption in the world, half of which is beef. A change in diet is a long and difficult process. The first step in favor of the environment could be the replacement of beef with other types of meat that have a lower impact on the environment, such as chicken and pork. The purpose of this study is to understand the causes limiting the preference for these alternatives and to identify useful tools to encourage their consumption. The results show that the interviewed Argentine consumers in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires have preconceptions about these two types of meat, such as the fact that hormones are still used in the chicken production system, that pork has higher cholesterol content than other meats, and that it carries diseases. These products are instead appreciated for their practicality of use, especially when purchased in portions, and they are not only tasty but also cheap.

Tamberos familiares del oeste del conurbano bonaerense: sus lógicas de producción, reproducción y sus estrategias pluriactivas

En Argentina, la producción agropecuaria familiar tiene una importante relevancia, tanto por el número deexplotaciones que existen, así como por la generación de empleo, arraigo y alimentos para consumo interno. En el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (AMBA) existe una gran cantidad de “tambos pequeños” -definidos como establecimientos cuya actividad principal es la producción lechera, tienen un rodeo de hasta 100 vacas totales (VT), la mano de obra es predominantemente familiar y pueden contar con alguna instalación para el ordeñe-. El siguiente estudio forma parte del trabajo realizado en el marco de un Proyecto Especial de ProHuerta (N° 989/2017), adjudicado a siete productores tamberos familiares de La Matanza, Marcos Paz y Virrey del Pino. El objetivo del proyecto era garantizar el acceso al agua segura para consumo humano y animal, pero también se utilizó como insumo para profundizar en el estudio de las lógicas productivas que llevan adelante tamberos familiares que producen en un territorio complejo como el AMBA. Se utilizó el método basado en casos, la información fue recolectada mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas e información secundaria. De la información recabada se observó que los tambos tienen entre 7 y 45 VT, la tenencia de la tierra es un factor conflictivo, sus recursos forrajeros se encuentran deteriorados y la inseguridad e incertidumbre condiciona la continuidad de la actividad. Se resalta la pluriactividad –entendida en términos de actividades dentro de la explotación, así como a la combinación de la producción agropecuaria con ingresos extraprediales- como una de las estrategias utilizadas para garantizar la sustentabilidad de estos sistemas productivos.

Trayectorias, debates y experiencias clínicas en torno a los tratamientos quirúrgicos solicitados por la población trans. Sentidos profesionales a la luz de los debates feministas

Since 1990s, some theoretical and empirical approaches to bodily construction processes carried out by transgender people were produced by feminism and gender studies. These works wondered to what extent those experiences contributed to reinforce the binary gender system or to put it in crisis. In the same period, several studies carried out in the field of feminism and gender studies produced a critical approach to cosmetic surgeries. Some productions conceived cosmetic surgery as a normalization practice of cisgender women's bodies. Other ones aimed to understand cisgender women as autonomous agents of decision. That is, neither as mere victims of the cosmetic surgery industry nor as subjects alienated by cultural messages that affirm their subordination. Taking these debates into account, this article puts into dialogue feminism and gender studies with the bio-medical field. In order to identify points of agreement and disagreement between those fields, it focuses on the senses that urological surgeons and plastic and reconstructive surgeons elaborate around surgical treatments requested by transgender people. The study is based on the analysis of in-depth interviews conducted between 2015 and 2019 to urological surgeons and plastic and reconstructive surgeons of the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires.

Perceptions of Anticipated Stigma in Gay and Lesbian Workers in Health Services (Argentina)


 This article analyses situations of discrimination, violence and inequality against gay and lesbian workers due to their sexual orientation, gender and / or gender expression in healthcare institutions located in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires. Some of the qualitative findings of a larger study are developed, which had a mixed approach and a cross-sectional, non-experimental design, in order to describe variants of anticipated stigma and perceptions of sexual orientation as potential obstacle at work. The persistence of stigma toward gay and lesbian workers, despite the greater legal and social recognition these groups have gained over the past decades, is a theoretical assumption of the study. While favourable changes are recognized, it is concluded that anticipated stigma persists among this group of workers.

Pedagogía de los mártires, comunidades militantes católicas y territorio: el caso de la Isla Maciel, Buenos Aires, Argentina (2016-2019)

El presente artículo propone analizar algunos aspectos de las dinámicas del activismo religioso católico en un barrio marginal del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, la isla Maciel, en la actualidad (2016-2019). Se busca comprender cómo allí se ponen en funcionamiento prácticas pedagógicas hilvanadas en torno a las figuras de los mártires del catolicismo, es decir, sacerdotes, religiosos/as y obispos que fueron objeto de la represión estatal durante la última dictadura militar (1976-1983) y que han conformado un canon memorial en la posdictadura. Se abordarán dos dimensiones, por un lado, el repertorio de símbolos, imágenes, murales, slogans que marcan el territorio de la parroquia y sus anexos a los fines de contribuir a la comprensión de la construcción de comunidades militantes en los barrios populares. Por el otro, las redes de activismo social, político y humanitario que se tejen más allá de las fronteras territoriales. Por último, se problematizarán las tensiones que surgen de estas dinámicas, poniendo en evidencia los límites del repertorio pedagógico.

Development and validation of a storm surge forecasting/hindcasting modelling system for the extensive Río de la Plata Estuary and its adjacent Continental Shelf

The Rio de la Plata (RdP) Estuary is affected by significant surges several times per year. This phenomenon has historically caused catastrophic water-level enlargements of up to 4.44 m, threatening and claiming human lives and producing major economic and material damages. The negative surges are less frequent, but when they do occur, inhibit the access to the principal harbors and waterways and disable the drinking water intakes of the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (the Capital City of Argentina) with a population of more and 16 million people. Recent works suggest that the number and strength of the surge events have been increasing with time. Nevertheless, a state-of-the-art system for the forecast of those events is not available yet. In this work, the implementation of a numerical modelling system for the forecast/hindcast of storm surges and the associated currents in the RdP and the adjacent continental shelf are presented and validated. This pre-operational system is based on an adaptation of the CROCO community ocean model to solve the dynamics associated with the surge. The model was implemented using a set of routines written in open-source programming language (Linux and Python) to be cheap and efficient and to ensure an easy future transfer to the services responsible for the alerts. For a better representation of the regional atmospheric dynamics, wind speed and sea-level pressure used to force the simulations were corrected using direct observations collected at an oceanographic buoy anchored at the estuary. The model system performance in hindcast mode was quantified by comparison with observations from tidal gauges and current meters at several locations of the estuary and the adjacent shelf. Percent errors for water level over the whole estuary and currents in the intermediate and exterior estuary drove to average results of 8 and 13%, respectively. The skill scores resulted, on average, of 0.90 and 0.80, respectively. The model performance in both hindcast and forecast modes was evaluated during historical extreme storm surges. Results support the good performance of the model to simulate even extreme events with average skill scores of 0.97 and 0.92, respectively. Results are encouraging, particularly taking into account the limitations in the atmospheric forcing for the region, where only a relatively small number of direct observations are assimilated by the reanalysis and forecast models.

MON-283 IGF-1 Levels During Normal Pregnancy

Pregnancy is associated with a physiological GH excess, where maternal pituitary GH is suppressed by effect of placental GH on the hepatic receptor, increasing IGF-1 serum levels1. However, it is also described that estrogens and progesterone are responsible for reduction in IGF-1 by direct hepatic action through the inhibition of the JAK-STAT pathway that results in GH resistance, being more clear at the beginning of pregnancy.2 Acromegaly is a rare disorder in which GH axis is deregulated and IGF-1 is the most reliable biochemical marker for diagnosis and monitoring. It is know that secondary hypogonadism associated with these pathology decreases fertility rates. Nonetheless, improvement of acromegaly treatment and greater access to assisted reproductive technology increase pregnancy rates in this population. The follow-up of pregnant acromegalic women acquires relevance for the comorbidities of this association and depends on the adequate interpretation of the IGF-1 values. Then, due to changes in concentration and action of IGF-1 during pregnancy3, it is important that each laboratory establish their specific reference values. For that reason we analyzed serum samples from 80 healthy pregnant women living in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA): 22 were in the 1st trimester (1T), 29 in the 2nd (2T) and 29 in the 3rd (3T). All women were between 30 and 40 years old, had no endocrinopathies or metabolic diseases. Serum IGF-1 was measured by Immulite 2000 Siemens, and Prism8 GraphPad was used for statistical analysis, calculating ranges for each trimester defined as 2,5 and 97,5 percentiles. Ranges obtained were: 64,5-165,0 ng/ml, 78,9-201,0 ng/ml and 96,1-344,0 ng/ml for 1T, 2T and 3T, respectively. Significant differences were observed between 3T and the other trimesters (1T and 2T). We also compared these ranges with our reference values from healthy non-pregnant women in the same age, and found that 3T has significantly higher values ​​of IGF-1 (55,8-188,4 ng/ml vs. 96,1-344,0 ng/ml respectively). In conclusion, IGF-1 levels during the first two trimesters of pregnancy remain within the normal range, and there is a significant increase during the third trimester. Given that IGF-1 plays an essential role during pregnancy, it is important to report ranges in healthy pregnant women to contribute in the follow-up of patients with acromegaly who get pregnant. Although our results are in agree with the available literature, it is necessary to increase the number of healthy pregnant women to establish reference values of IGF-1. 1Frankenne et al (1988). The physiology of growth hormones in pregnant women and partial characterization of the placental GH variant. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 66:1171-1180 2Leung et al (2004). Estrogen regulation of growth hormone action. Endocrine Reviews 25:693-72 3Muhammad et al (2017). Pregnancy and acromegaly. Pituitary 20:179-184

Public Punitiveness as an Instrumental and Expressive Reaction against Threats at the Beginning of the 21st Century. Evidence of the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires

From a sociological perspective of social psychology, this paper enquires whether the evolution of the demand for more severe punishment to offenders in public opinion (public punitiveness) in the Metropolitan Area of ​​Buenos Aires between 2000 and 2005 was a reaction against security threats (instrumental hypothesis) or a collective reaction to other threats such as economic, social, and political insecurities that were channeled into a greater hostility towards criminals (expressive hypothesis). In order to test these hypotheses, the waves of the Victimization Survey of the National Division of Criminal Policy were analyzed. It was concluded that, although the punitive reaction corresponds relatively to the levels of criminal threat, it was even greater when it was politicized in a punitive sense in the public sphere (Blumberg case), showing that it was both an instrumental and an expressive response.

Heavy metal pollution and health risk assessment of soils from open dumps in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

We assessed heavy metal pollution and potential health risk by ingestion of soil in six open dumps in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (MABA), Argentina. For the determination of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Hg, and Cr, soil samples were taken from the first 10cm using sampling grids installed between the boundaries of the waste final disposal sites and the beginning of the urban area. Soil samples were considered contaminated if at least one metal exceeded the maximum levels established by the Argentine regulation. Potential health risk by soil ingestion was calculated using deterministic analysis for both adults and children and stochastic analysis only for children. In 39.8% (N = 171) of the soil samples, the concentration of at least one metal was above the guide levels. Concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn exceeded maximum permissible values in all open dumps. Except for Hg, heavy metal concentrations differed significantly among open dumps. Hazard indexes > 1 were obtained for the children's population using both deterministic and stochastic models. The most sensitive variables in the stochastic model were exposure frequency and soil ingestion rate, together explaining 70% of the variation in the forecasts. The calculated risks were highly dependent on Pb concentrations. The determination of blood lead concentration in children and the assessment of other exposure routes are needed in areas of open dump influence in MABA.

Hepatitis E infection is an infrequent cause of acute hepatitis in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires

Background Argentina is considered a region of low seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV), however; no studies have evaluated its burden among acute hepatitis cases. Objectives: We aimed to estimate the proportion of acute HEV and outcome in a cohort of patients with acute hepatitis from 6 liver units in the Metropolitan area of Buenos Aires (MABA). Study design: We performed a prospective cohort study including patients ≥18 years with acute hepatitis (increase in transaminases x 5 ULN) fromJuly 2016 to May 2018. Severe hepatitis was defined as acute hepatitis + INR> 1.5 and acute liver failure as severe hepatitis + encephalopathy. In patients in whom other etiologies were excluded, HEV tests were performed: anti-HEV IgM/G and HEV-RNA in serum and feces. Results: Overall, 268 patients with acute hepatitis were included in the study. The most frequent etiologies of acute hepatitis were hepatitis B (67patients, 25 %), hepatotoxicity (65, 24 %) and autoimmune hepatitis (26, 10 %). Acute HEV infection was confirmed in 8 (2.98 %; 95 %CI 1.25–5.63) patients who tested positive for anti-HEV IgM. A total of 63 (23.5 %) patients were hospitalized and 9 (3.3 %) patients died. Overall, 48 (18 %) patients developed severe hepatitis, 6 (2.2 %) have acute liver failure, 6 (1.9 %) underwent liver transplantation and 9 (3.4 %) patients died. Conclusions: the proportion of acute HEV in MABA was low during the period studied. We believe our findings will aid physicians prioritize other etiologies of acute hepatitis over HEV in order to optimize diagnostic resources and offer better care to their patients

Modeling of the UCLA Loneliness Scale According to the Multidimensional Item Response Theory

The authors of the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS) have considered its structure to be unidimensional. Nevertheless, it has been repeatedly found that response direction can generate groupings of items. In this study, the multidimensional item response theory was applied to examine the psychometric properties of the Argentine version of the UCLA-LS. The participants were 556 residents of the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, Argentina (55% female) with an average age of 43.8. The model fits of three models were compared: the unidimensional Graded Response Model (GRM), the multidimensional GRM, and the bifactor GRM. The results indicated that the bifactor GRM, which considered a general factor and two specific factors related to response direction, was the most adequate one. Loneliness, which was the general factor, explained 70.38% of the common variance. Direct response direction toward loneliness explained 20.09% of the common variance; in other words, it clearly biases item responses, whereas response direction toward companionship has a much lower impact (9.52%).

¿Agua que no has de beber? Acceso al agua potable e intermediarios en asentamientos informales del Conurbano Bonaerense (1983-2015)

Latinoamérica cuenta con el mayor volumen de agua dulce per cápita del mundo. Sin embargo, parte de su población no tiene acceso regular a fuentes de agua segura o es provista por servicios precarios. Aunque Argentina es uno de los países de la región con mejores porcentajes de población servida por redes de agua potable, dichas redes están desigualmente distribuidas. Entre los sectores más afectados, se encuentran quienes habitan en asentamientos informales de la Región Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, la mayor metrópolis del país. Al respecto, este estudio se pregunta: ¿de qué modos acceden dichos sectores a redes de agua potable? ¿Por qué acceden en menor medida que otros sectores? A partir de una etnografía y otras herramientas de investigación, se argumenta que: 1) acceden a redes de agua potable por vías alternativas que requieren necesariamente de la coparticipación de vecinos, y 2) que lo hacen en menor proporción, entre otras cosas, por el modo en que se relacionan con el Estado para extender las redes de agua en sus barrios. A la luz de los resultados, se discuten nociones relativas a las gestiones privadas, públicas y comunitarias del servicio, y se pone en cuestión ideas como las de gobernanza y coproducción.Ideas destacadas: artículo de investigación donde se analiza las vías por las que acceden al servicio de agua potable de red quienes residen en asentamientos informales de la periferia de la Región Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Al respecto se señala que, a diferencia de otros sectores sociales, quienes viven en dichos barrios deben hacerse cargo de gran parte de la extensión del servicio. A la luz de los resultados, se discuten nociones generales sobre formas de gestión privada, pública y comunitaria del agua en América Latina, y se ponen en cuestión conceptos como gobernanza y coproducción de bienes comunes.

When Life Becomes a Burden at the Urban Margins of Buenos Aires

ABSTRACT Based on ethnographic research carried out in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, in this article, I analyze the logic of the burden for workers of segregated populations who live on the urban margins under the neoliberal regime. Unlike other languages of afflictions, the language of the logic of the burden resists being subdued completely to psy technologies. In this article, I argue that this challenges how development programs in Buenos Aires metropolitan areas have caused afflictions to people who live in contexts of urban poverty and seek their well-being, led by promises to reach it through work.

“Nuestro norte son los niños”. Subjetividades políticas y colectivización del cuidado infantil en organizaciones sociales del Gran Buenos Aires

En este artículo nos proponemos analizar las nociones de infancia que distintos actores sociopolíticos ponen en juego en barrios populares del área metropolitana bonaerense. Nos referimos a iniciativas impulsadas por pobladores, voluntarios y militantes políticos que se han planteado una propuesta colectivizada del cuidado de los niños y las niñas. El análisis busca documentar los modos en que la elaboración de qué significan los niños y cuáles son sus necesidades tienen lugar conforme se moldean y gestan las subjetividades políticas de quienes impulsan las obras. Este proceso, lejos de quedar restringido a los adultos, involucra de lleno a los niños, quienes participan activamente de la construcción de las acciones que los tienen por objeto y del reconocimiento de sus necesidades. Nos basaremos en el registro proveniente del trabajo de campo antropológico y etnográfico que llevamos adelante desde el año 2001 en la zona norte y noroeste del Gran Buenos Aires.

From stigma to pride: health professionals and abortion policies in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires

Abortion stigma is experienced not only by women but also by providers and health professionals in a wide range of legal contexts. This paper analyses interviews with providers who work in the public health system in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, Argentina. A court ruling in 2012, FAL/12, changed the interpretation of abortion’s legal status, clarifying the decriminalisation of abortion in cases of rape, and also requiring public policies and procedures to speed up access to legal abortion. Between 2014 and 2017, we conducted 27 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with abortion providers in public facilities across healthcare services in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires. We found the way that health providers dealt with abortion stigma evolved over the course of time, as the abortion debate moved from the margins to the heart of political debate and public policies in Argentina between 2007 and 2017. Providers’ experiences changed as the social and legal context changed. FAL/12 – as a clear, legal ruling – was a landmark and turning point in the way health professionals in public health facilities conduct their activities, making it possible for them to move from providing silent and hidden abortion care, to acknowledging it with pride.