SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chavez On Wednesday, it further restricted access to abortion, limiting it to situations where the mother's life is in danger.
The country's previous rules also allowed abortion if the pregnancy posed a threat to the mother's health. The change did not require legislative approval.
By introducing rule changes through the Health Ministry, Chavez fulfilled a promise he made to religious conservatives in the Evangelical Alliance earlier this month.
“Today, the only reason an abortion can be performed without punishment is when there are only two options: the life of the mother or the life of the creature that is inside,” Chavez said at a news conference.
Although access to abortion has increased in recent years in some of Latin America's largest countries, including Mexico And ArgentinaCentral American governments have maintained strict restrictions. Countries including HondurasEl Salvador and Nicaragua have complete bans, and Guatemala allows abortion when the mother's life is at risk.
The Evangelical Alliance noted Chavez's change in a statement. “This is an opportunity to unite around a universal principle: the value of all human life,” said alliance president Pastor Ronald Vargas.
But those who support abortion access quickly saw a political deal ahead of next year's presidential election in February. Chaves cannot stand for re-election, but supports his party's candidate.
“Unfortunately, once again women and people capable of bearing children are having to bear the burden of negotiating our rights in exchange for getting votes or appealing to conservative groups,” said Laura Valenciano, a human rights activist with the NGO ACCEDER Civic Association, which advocates for “Strategic Action for Human Rights.”
Costa Rica has long banned most abortions, with some exceptions. These were not clearly defined until a rule was passed in 2019 that an abortion can be performed if the mother's health is at risk.
Valenciano said she was not aware of any abortions performed under this exception during Chavez's presidency. She asked him to provide data.
“People will see that they are creating a smokescreen and distracting us from very important issues,” Valenciano said.
Chaves was some women look with skepticism when he ran for president in 2022. The World Bank found that the conservative economist sexually harassed various women while he worked there and was ultimately sanctioned for misconduct, demoted and expelled. He has continually denied the allegations.
