Chile Faces Potential Rollback of Abortion Rights as Kast Heads Toward Runoff

Chile’s hard-won reproductive rights face a critical turning point as far-right presidential candidate Jose Antonio Kast surges toward a likely victory in the December 14 runoff. Kast, a staunch Catholic who opposes the morning-after pill and seeks to repeal Chile’s limited abortion exceptions, has gained momentum amid voter concerns over rising crime and migration. Although abortion was partially decriminalized in 2017 under three strict conditions—risk to the woman’s life, fetal inviability, and rape—rights groups warn that a Kast presidency could reverse decades of progress.

Advocates say the threat extends beyond new legislation, pointing to the executive’s control over health budgets. Legal experts note that funding cuts to contraception, emergency pills, and abortion-related services could severely restrict access even without changes to current law. Activists working with women seeking abortions report widespread fear of stigma, misinformation, and legal repercussions, driving thousands toward clandestine procedures each year despite having legal grounds for termination. Official data shows just over 6,600 abortions recorded since 2017, with rape accounting for nearly all cases among girls under 14.

Kast’s opponent, government-backed leftist Jeannette Jara, initially supported legalizing abortion up to 14 weeks but has since softened her stance under political pressure. Public opinion polls indicate strong support for maintaining existing rights, yet Kast’s coalition—aligned with conservative voices pushing to revisit even rape-related exceptions—has gained legislative influence. Rights organizations warn that further restrictions, particularly on emergency contraception and rape-related reporting requirements, would push even more women and girls toward unsafe, unregulated abortion methods.

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