The seminar, titled “Voluntary interruption of pregnancy in Chile: advances, challenges and legislative projections,” focused on the practical application of Law IVE, the complexities surrounding conscientious objection, and a new bill proposing a streamlined process for accessing abortion services.

The event featured three panel discussions delving into the intricacies of the IVE Law’s implementation across Chile. Experts debated the scope and ongoing controversies related to conscientious objection, allowing healthcare providers to refuse to perform abortions based on moral or religious grounds. A key focus was also placed on analyzing a new legislative proposal designed to simplify the process for women seeking voluntary pregnancy termination.

Participants included prominent figures from the Chilean Medical College and the Chilean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, alongside academics from the UDP School of Medicine and Faculty of Law. Discussions centered on the progress made since the law’s enactment, identifying obstacles in its application, and exploring potential future legislative developments.

The seminar was held within the context of a larger multicenter study, “Opinions and attitudes of students and teachers of medicine and obstetrics in Chilean universities on abortion,” aimed at gathering data to inform public debate and policy-making in reproductive health. Researchers hope the study’s findings will contribute to evidence-based policies and a more nuanced understanding of perspectives within the medical community.