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 On paper, a 50-year-old law allows a pregnancy to be terminated only
if the mother's health is at risk, but a lack of regulatory clarity
at hospitals has meant the law could not be applied.
"This decision will save the lives of women and protect their
health," Alvarado said.
The measure will allow for the first therapeutic abortions to be
performed within six months at public hospitals. Private clinics
will also be allowed to perform the procedure.
Health Minister Daniel Salas said in a statement therapeutic
abortions can be performed if three requirements are met: if there
is no other medical alternative, if the woman gives consent, and
after mandatory evaluation by three medical professionals.
Costa Rican law states that an abortion is legal if performed with
the consent of the woman and performed by a doctor or authorized
obstetrician and "when done in order to avoid a threat to the
mother's life or health" and when no other alternatives are
available.
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Despite Costa Rica's reputation as a socially forward- looking
nation, with high education and health standards, reproductive
rights such as in vitro fertilization and abortion are not widely
accepted.
But new polling shows that some 58% of Costa Ricans are in favor of
implementing the legal changes that will allow therapeutic
abortions.
(Reporting by Alvaro Murillo; Writing by Anthony Esposito; Editing
by Michael Perry)
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