BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentine activists on Tuesday were launching a renewed effort to legalize elective abortions in the homeland of Pope Francis after narrowly falling short last year.

Lawmakers said they would introduce a bill 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.

The grassroots movement behind the legislation came closer than ever before to approval and activists promised to continue their efforts to expand women’s reproductive rights. Backers hope elections this year will bring in senators more favorable to their cause.

The bill was being introduced as demonstrations marking the International Day of Action for Women’s Health were being held Argentina and other nations.

The Argentine movement has gathered international support, with Penelope Cruz and several other actors at the Cannes film festival holding up the green handkerchiefs that symbolize the abortion movement.

“After last year’s rejection, it’s evident that abortion continues to be practiced in terrible conditions and women continue to die...,” said Amnesty International Argentina director Mariela Belski.

“The state must settle its debt and provide abortion services without improper restrictions, discrimination and punishment.”

Argentina now allows abortion only in cases of rape or a risk to a woman’s health. But Argentine women continue to undergo illegal abortions and thousands of women, mostly poor, are hospitalized each year for complications. The health minister estimates that more than 350,000 clandestine abortions are carried out each year, while human rights groups estimate the number to be as high as a half million.