Abortion Laws in Chile

Is abortion legal in Chile?

According to the Law 21.030, abortion in Chile is authorized only in three cases:

• When the woman´s life is at risk, so that the termination of pregnancy avoids a danger to her life;
• When the fetus suffers from an acquired or genetic congenital pathology, incompatible with independent extrauterine life;
• When the pregnancy is the result of rape, provided that the pregnancy is no more than twelve weeks old. In the case of girls who are under 14 years of age, the interruption of pregnancy can be done up to fourteen weeks of gestation.

What are the abortion services available in Chile?

If the requirements of any of the above cases are met, it will be evaluated which method will be used to carry out the termination of pregnancy. This will depend on the cause invoked, the gestational age, the health conditions of the woman and the conditions of the embryo.

The methods used are: through the use of medications (misoprostol or mifepristone + misoprostol) or by manual vacuum aspiration.

Who can provide a safe abortion in Chile?

The MVA must be performed by a medical professional or an obstetrician-gynecologist trained in MVA technique.

Medical abortion must be prescribed by a doctor and will be administered to the patient in the same health facility.

However, some organizations also provide useful information and guidance on questions related to abortion in Chile. Such is the case of the organization “Con las amigas y en la casa” (“With friends and at home”).

Where can I go to access a safe abortion?

You can go to a public health facility or a private clinic, where it will be evaluated if the interruption of the pregnancy is appropriate.

If they refuse to carry out an abortion, alluding to a conscientious objection, they have the obligation to refer you to the nearest health service.

How much does an abortion cost in Chile?

The cost of abortion for any of the causes indicated by law, will depend on the health plan (FONASA or ISAPRE) of the applicant.

In the case of FONASA, the public system, the costs vary:

• For the MVA, the amount to be paid in level 1 of FONASA is $ 23,810, in level 2 it is $ 38,090 and in level 3 the beneficiary will pay $ 52,380. On the other hand, when it comes to pharmacological treatment (including both the consultation with a specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as the pills), in level 1 the beneficiary will pay $ 6,290, in level 2 the copayment is $ 10,060 and in level 3 it will be $ 13,840.

In the case of ISAPRE, it will depend on your health plan and the percentage of coverage it offers.

What are the legal and safe medications available?

Abortion pills, such as misoprostol, are only authorized for intrahospital use.

Its sale is prohibited by criminal and administrative regulations. However, it can be bought in informal sites.

Can I buy abortion pills at a pharmacy in Chile?

No, its commercialization, distribution and acquisition outside the hospital environment is prohibited.

However, it is possible to obtain it through the informal market.

What do abortion pills look like in Chile?

Can I buy abortion pills online?

The online sale of the pills is not authorized. Although these are likely to be sold online, this sale is illegal and punishable by law.

Who can I contact for more information on access to safe abortion in Chile?

Some organizations you can reach out for more information are:

• Corporación Miles: comunicaciones@mileschile.cl
• Con las amigas y en la casa: conlasamigasyenlacasa@riseup.net
• Orientación jurídica: asesorias@abofem.cl