Pro-Life Victory in Chile

The abortion industry has long had Chile in its crosshairs. Chile is proof that pro-life policies and strong maternal health can coexist. Abortion used to be legal in Chile, but the nation recognized the prenatal right to life in 1989. Abortion supporters predicted chaos and women dying in the streets. Instead, the maternal mortality rate decreased, according to a 2012 study in PLoS ONE.

Chile continues to ban abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother — and it continues to enjoy the lowest maternal mortality rate in Latin America. Chile also beats the United States on that measure.

Chile’s positive record was almost threatened last Sunday, when voters were presented with a new constitution. The proposal would have completely stripped protection from unborn children and enshrined a “right to abortion” into law. Chile could have repeated Ireland’s tragedy.

Thankfully, Chilean voters rejected the constitutional referendum 62% to 38%.

Was that all because of abortion? Of course not. Adopting a new constitution can involve just about every political issue under the sun. Economic, environmental, and indigenous rights issues were all widely debated. Many Chileans want legitimate reforms, but found the new draft lacking for a variety of reasons. There may be another attempt to replace the constitution, in which case international abortion groups will no doubt try to inject their agendas again.

But for now, let’s celebrate the fact that Chileans get to keep their pro-life, pro-mother laws. This vote saved lives. Congratulations, Chile!

[Photo credit: Chile es Vida]