San Jose, Costa Rica - On October 16, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves implemented further restrictions on abortion, limiting its access strictly to cases where the mother’s life is in immediate danger. Previously, regulations also allowed for abortions if the pregnancy threatened the mother's health. This change did not require legislative approval and was enacted through a decree by the Health Ministry. Chaves fulfilled a promise he made earlier this month to religious conservatives in the Evangelical Alliance. At a news conference, he stated, "Today, the only reason for which an abortion can be done without penalty is when there are only two options: the mother’s life or the life of the being that is inside." While countries like Mexico and Argentina have made significant progress in expanding abortion access in recent years, many Central American nations continue to enforce stringent limitations. Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua maintain total bans on abortion, whereas Guatemala permits it only when the mother’s life is at risk. The Evangelical Alliance welcomed Chaves' legislative change. Alliance President Pastor Ronald Vargas remarked, "This is an opportunity to unite around a universal principle: the value of all human life." However, proponents of abortion access criticized the decision as a political maneuver ahead of next February's presidential election. While Chaves cannot run for reelection, he is backing his party’s candidate. Laura Valenciano from the Citizen Association ACCEDER expressed concern, stating, "Unfortunately, once again, it's the women and people with the ability to bear children who have to carry the weight that they negotiate our rights in exchange for obtaining votes or appealing to conservative groups." Costa Rica has prohibited most abortions for years, but its stipulations were unclear until a 2019 rule permitted abortion if the mother's health was in jeopardy. Valenciano noted she was unaware of any abortions conducted under this criterion during Chaves’ presidency and urged him to disclose relevant data. "The people would see they're making a smoke screen and distracting us from very important issues," she added. Chaves' candidacy in the 2022 presidential race was met with skepticism by some women. The World Bank previously found that he had sexually harassed multiple women during his tenure, resulting in sanctions, a demotion, and eventual departure from the organization. Chaves has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
San Jose, Costa Rica –
On October 16, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves implemented further restrictions on abortion, limiting its access strictly to cases where the mother’s life is in immediate danger.
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