New Costa Rican president calls abortion murder, wants stronger penalties

Costa Rica’s new president, elected Sunday, is poised to strengthen the current pro-life policies of the Central American country’s previous administration.

President-elect Laura Fernández won outright in the first round of voting, clearing the threshold needed to avoid a runoff. With most ballots counted, she secured just over 48% of the vote. Her closest challenger conceded the night of the election.

Fernández previously served as planning minister and chief of staff under outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves. She ran as a continuation of his conservative governing style, especially on social issues tied to family life and moral issues. 

Speaking by video to supporters gathered in San Jose on election night, Fernández thanked Chaves for placing trust in her leadership and said she would continue his agenda. She told the crowd she would “fight tirelessly” for economic growth, freedom and the well-being of the Costa Rican people, Life News reports. 

Abortion policy was a major issue throughout Fernández’ campaign. She has repeatedly argued the state has a duty to protect unborn children and the country should not treat abortion, which she calls murder, as healthcare. 

She also supports a proposal to increase criminal penalties related to abortion. Women who cause or consent to their own abortion could face four to six years in prison, up from the current one to three years. Those who perform abortions without the woman’s consent could face up to 12 years. 

Under Chaves, Costa Rica narrowed the scope of legal abortion. His administration limited abortion to cases where the mother’s life is directly at risk, reversing broader exemptions that had allowed abortions based on health-related claims. 

“Today, the only reason for which an abortion can be done without penalty is when there are only two options: the mother’s life or the life of the being that is inside,” Chaves said when announcing the change. 

Fernández also ran on promises to address crime and violence tied to drug trafficking. However, abortion policy remained one of the most prominent themes of her campaign. She consistently argued Costa Rica should maintain strict legal protections for unborn children and resist efforts to expand abortion access.