Abortion in Chile

Chile's abortion laws have evolved significantly in recent years. Since 2017, abortion has been legal under three specific circumstances: when the woman's life is at risk, in cases of rape (within 12 weeks of pregnancy or 14 weeks if the victim is under 14), and in instances of severe fetal malformations. Despite these legal changes, some medical professionals refuse to perform abortions, particularly in rape cases.

The shift toward broader reproductive rights began in 2006 when activists successfully pushed for the legalization of emergency contraceptives under President Michelle Bachelet's administration. By 2010, public health centers were mandated to provide free emergency contraception to individuals over 14 years old without requiring parental consent.

In August 2017, the National Congress approved a bill legalizing abortion under the aforementioned conditions. This legislation took effect in September 2017, following a constitutional challenge by conservative groups. By January 2018, abortion services became available under public and private medical coverage.

Further attempts to expand reproductive rights have faced setbacks. In November 2021, the Chamber of Deputies rejected a bill to decriminalize abortion up to 14 weeks. Similarly, in 2022, a proposed constitution that included provisions for reproductive rights and abortion legalization was rejected by a majority of Chilean voters in a national referendum.