Social organizations and health advocates announced on April 7 the presentation of a bill for a National Emergency Law on Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights. The event is taking place at the Auditorium of the Annex of the Chamber of Deputies in Argentina, aiming to address what organizers describe as a decline in public policies related to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
The initiative was promoted by the Frente Nacional de VIH, Hepatitis y Tuberculosis and introduced as legislation by national deputy Esteban Paulón. Paulón based his proposal on petitions from activists and organizations. The project has already received support from more than 15 deputies across different political blocs, reflecting growing concern within Congress about current public health conditions.
The announcement comes amid ongoing complaints from civil society groups regarding what they say is defunding of essential public policies. These groups have pointed to increasing difficulties accessing supplies and programs for HIV prevention and treatment, as well as services addressing other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), viral hepatitis, and tuberculosis.
Juan Carlos Márquez, member of the Association for Health Promotion and spokesperson for the Frente Nacional, said that “we are seeing more cases at advanced stages. In HIV, many people reach healthcare services with severe opportunistic diseases where recovery is more difficult and costs to the health system are much higher.” Márquez also noted concern over rising cases not only of primary syphilis but also tertiary syphilis with high mortality rates.
The proposed law is backed by over 30 organizations nationwide who warn that Argentina’s healthcare system is nearing collapse due to saturated services. Community-based organizations report they can no longer sustain their operations under current conditions.
Key demands include extraordinary budget allocations to restore or expand funding for sexual health programs targeting HIV, STIs, hepatitis, and tuberculosis; urgent procurement and distribution of essential supplies such as condoms, rapid tests, antiretroviral treatments (including Prep and Pep), with federal coverage; mandatory compliance by social security providers; fast-track complaint mechanisms; and sanctions against non-compliance.
Legislators are expected during today’s presentation to explain the rationale behind this legislative push—calling for restored budgets, program reinstatement, supply guarantees across all regions—and highlight its importance in strengthening sexual health policies nationwide.
