BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Abortion rights activists are launching a renewed effort to legalize elective abortions in the homeland of Pope Francis after narrowly falling short last year.

Argentine lawmakers say they'll introduce a bill in Congress to legalize abortion for pregnancies up to 14 weeks.

A similar measure last year passed the lower house of Congress but was defeated in the Senate under heavy opposition by religious organizations.

Backers hope elections this year will bring in senators more favorable to their cause.

Argentina now allows abortion only in cases of rape or a risk to a woman's health. Argentina's health minister estimates that more than 350,000 clandestine abortions are carried out each year. Human rights groups estimate the number to be as high as a half million.