“임신중지 전 태아 심장박동 들어라”…칠레서 ‘임신중단 제한법’ 논란

A new law in Chile has sparked controversy after effectively making it mandatory for women to listen to their unborn baby's heartbeat before undergoing an abortion. The law, known as 'Listen to the Baby's Heartbeat,' was proposed on June 25th by six legislators from the conservative Popular Nationalist Union (PNL), the Republican Party (PP), and the National Renewal Party (RN).

The bill modifies Chilean healthcare law to require medical staff to inform women about the heartbeat of the fetus during the first trimester and allow women to hear it directly. If a woman refuses, the law states that doctors cannot perform the abortion.

Chilean abortion laws have been restrictive since 2017, only allowing the procedure when the woman's life is at risk, the fetus is not viable outside the womb, or in cases of rape. The new law, however, has been criticized by women's rights groups and medical professionals as it effectively forces women to undergo a potentially emotionally distressing experience as a precondition for an abortion.

Opposition from the Chilean Medical Association and the Chilean Medical Association have argued that forcing women to listen to their baby's heartbeat doesn't necessarily guarantee informed consent. The Ministry of Health's director of women's health, My Cotali, expressed doubt over the medical necessity of listening to the heartbeat, while the Minister of Women and Gender Equality acknowledged the need for other policies to be pursued before addressing this issue.

President José Antonio Castilla also stated that he would not engage in the divisive debate. As of now, the law is in its first stage of review by Chile's Chamber of Deputies, but no committee hearings or votes have been scheduled.