Costa Rica has introduced a major change to its abortion policy, now allowing the procedure only when a woman’s life is at immediate risk. President Rodrigo Chaves approved the measure by signing a revised protocol that removes previous provisions covering broader physical or mental health circumstances.
Women’s rights advocates have called this a backward step for reproductive freedom, especially in a country where abortion access was already extremely limited. International and regional human rights groups have warned that the new restrictions could deepen healthcare inequities, particularly for women in poor and rural communities, who already struggle to access essential medical services.
Health experts fear that limiting abortion access to life-or-death cases will lead to unsafe procedures, delayed treatment, and higher maternal health risks. Critics also note that the absence of provisions for cases such as rape, nonviable pregnancies, or serious health complications places women’s bodily autonomy under threat.
Political analysts suggest that this move aligns with conservative and religious voting blocs that may influence upcoming elections. The policy change comes amid broader debates in Latin America, where several countries have recently expanded abortion access, in contrast to Costa Rica’s new course.
Women’s organizations across the region are now calling for legal reviews, public debate, and renewed advocacy efforts, emphasizing that reproductive rights are central to gender equality and public health.
