Kast rules out backing bill that ties abortion access to hearing the fetal heartbeat

Chilean President José Antonio Kast announced on Monday that his administration will not support a bill introduced by coalition lawmakers, which would tie access to legal abortion to women hearing the fetal heartbeat. Speaking in an interview with T13 Radio, Kast stated that while lawmakers can introduce bills and generate debate, his government would not move forward with this particular measure.

He emphasized his campaign focused on an emergency government centered on the economy, security, and social issues, and vowed not to promote actions that create tension. Kast highlighted a key difference between the Chilean bill and similar legislation in other nations – the Chilean measure would make detecting the heartbeat compulsory, whereas in other countries it remains voluntary.

The proposed legislation, named "Escucha su corazón," was introduced in July by lawmaker Cristóbal Urruticoechea of the Partido Nacional Libertario, with support from the Partido Republicano. The bill would amend the Health Code, requiring physicians to inform women about detectable cardiac activity before performing an abortion.

Abortion has been legal in Chile since 2017 under three grounds: risk to the woman's life, fetal unviability, and rape. Despite objections from within his own coalition and health officials arguing the proposal lacks scientific basis, Kast's stance has drawn criticism from the bill's sponsors, who vowed to continue their fight.