In the final days of 2020, the Argentine Senate moved to legalize abortion up to the 14th week of pregnancy. Before this landmark decision, abortion was only allowed in cases of rape or when the mother’s life and health were at risk, forcing thousands to resort to illegal abortions. Argentina has a long history of conservatism, a powerful Catholic Church, and a growing evangelical community. Yet, all these could not stem the crushing “green wave” feminist movement that pioneered this massive change. Many conservatives fear that this wave will gain momentum in neighboring Chile and Brazil and wash over the entire South American region.

South American leaders have responded from different camps. Argentine President Fernandez is a staunch supporter of the new abortion law, stating that it will somehow decrease poverty in Argentina. Brazilian President Bolsonaro was quick to condemn the decision on Twitter, promising always to protect innocent lives. In Paraguay, the House of Representatives held a moment of silence for “all the babies that will die” in Argentina.

Tears of joy, cries of triumph, cheers, hugs, dancing in the streets. These were the expressions of pro-choice Argentines after the Senate passed the abortion bill, a bill that would legalize the murder of even more babies. “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.” Murder is included in the list following Romans 1:28. And the chapter ends with this: “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Recall the celebrations that broke out in the streets of Buenos Aires after the abortion bill passed?

The only cure for a reprobate mind is the Gospel. Only Jesus and His Word can renew our minds and transform us so that we are no longer conformed to this world, so that we can know the good and acceptable and perfect will of God and act on it. Pray for Argentina. Pray for Latin America. More than protests, more than legislation, their need is the same as many others worldwide – more laborers to preach the Gospel.