Concerns for Women's Rights in Chile Under President José Antonio Kast

José Antonio Kast, an ultra-Catholic politician and the most conservative president in Chile since the Pinochet dictatorship, is set to take office amid significant concerns regarding women's rights. Kast has a long history of opposing progressive legislation, including voting against divorce in 2004 and opposing the legalization of abortion under limited exceptions in 2017. His administration is expected to push for a total ban on abortion and impose parental consent for the morning-after pill, reflecting a return to the patriarchal values associated with the Pinochet regime.

The Guardian

Despite the current abortion law allowing access under specific circumstances—rape, risk to the mother's life, or non-viable fetus—activists fear that Kast's government could complicate access to these exceptions. Andrea Álvarez Carimoney, an assistant professor at the University of Chile, warns that even without outright abolition, the government could modify existing laws to restrict access further. Since the introduction of the three-exception clause in 2017, approximately 7,000 legal abortions have occurred, while estimates suggest over 100,000 induced abortions take place annually in Chile.

The Guardian

The feminist movement in Chile, which has mobilized hundreds of thousands for reproductive rights, faces internal divisions that complicate its efforts to protect hard-won rights. The recent attempt to rewrite the Pinochet-era constitution, which included abortion as a constitutional right, was rejected by the public. Critics, including Vesna Madariaga from the Coordinadora Feminista 8M, argue that the outgoing administration of Gabriel Boric failed to act decisively on reproductive rights, delaying the introduction of a free abortion bill until 2025.

The Guardian

Despite the challenges posed by Kast's administration, the feminist movement remains resilient. The recent International Women’s Day march saw an estimated 500,000 participants, showcasing the ongoing commitment to women's rights. Grassroots organizations like Con las Amigas y En La Casa continue to provide vital information on safe abortion practices, even in the face of censorship from anti-abortion campaigners. One activist emphasized the determination of women in Chile, stating, “Kast is very dangerous, but we know that women in Chile are strong and organised. We are confident we will keep moving forward.”

The Guardian

Outgoing women and gender minister Antonia Orellana defended the Boric administration's efforts, highlighting the introduction of an inspection manual for health professionals to ensure compliance with existing abortion rights. She noted the lack of a legislative majority hindered broader reforms, stating, “Where do we move forward?” Meanwhile, Kast's Republican party has announced intentions to repeal the current abortion law, further intensifying the debate over reproductive rights in Chile.

The Guardian

• “They could make access to abortion much more complex,” — Andrea Álvarez Carimoney, Assistant Professor, University of Chile

The Guardian

• “Women are having abortions right now, they will be doing it tomorrow, and they will keep doing it – no rightwing government will stop that,” — Anonymous Activist

The Guardian

As José Antonio Kast prepares to assume the presidency, the future of women's rights in Chile hangs in the balance. The potential for regressive policies looms large, but the resilience of the feminist movement suggests that activism will continue to challenge any attempts to roll back reproductive rights.

The Guardian