Abortion in Costa Rica

Abortion in Costa Rica

Abortion in Costa Rica is a complex and sensitive issue, influenced by legal, cultural, and religious factors. The country's abortion laws are among the most restrictive in the world, allowing the procedure only under very limited circumstances.

Legal Framework

In Costa Rica, abortion is generally illegal, with the only exception being when the life or health of the mother is at risk. This is stipulated under the Penal Code of Costa Rica, which criminalizes abortion under most circumstances. The law permits what is known as "therapeutic abortion," but the interpretation of what constitutes a threat to the mother's health is often narrow and subject to medical and legal scrutiny.

The relevant legal provisions are found in Articles 118 to 122 of the Penal Code. Article 121 specifically allows for abortion when it is the only way to save the life or health of the mother, but this must be certified by a medical professional.

Access to Abortion Services

Access to abortion services in Costa Rica is severely limited due to the restrictive legal framework. Even in cases where therapeutic abortion is legally permissible, women often face significant barriers, including bureaucratic delays, lack of clear guidelines, and the reluctance of medical professionals to perform the procedure due to personal beliefs or fear of legal repercussions.

The lack of access to safe and legal abortion services has led some women to seek unsafe, clandestine abortions, which pose significant health risks.

Social and Cultural Context

Costa Rica is a predominantly Catholic country, and the influence of the Catholic Church is significant in shaping public opinion and policy on abortion. The Church strongly opposes abortion, viewing it as morally unacceptable under any circumstances.

Public opinion in Costa Rica is divided on the issue of abortion. While some advocate for more liberal abortion laws, others support maintaining the current restrictions. The debate is often framed in terms of women's rights, health, and religious values.

Recent Developments

In recent years, there have been calls from various human rights organizations and women's rights groups to reform Costa Rica's abortion laws. These groups argue that the current legal framework violates women's rights to health and autonomy.

In 2019, the Costa Rican government issued a technical guideline to clarify the conditions under which therapeutic abortion is permissible, aiming to provide clearer guidance to healthcare providers. However, critics argue that the guideline does not go far enough in ensuring access to safe abortion services.

Also see

• Reproductive rights in Costa Rica
• Women's rights in Costa Rica
• Healthcare in Costa Rica
• Catholic Church and abortion