Chile to Distribute Free Abortifacient Morning-After Pill

SANTIAGO, Chile, Oct 16, 01 (CWNews.com/LSN.ca) - Chilean Health Minister Michelle Bachelet announced last Thursday that health care officials will distribute the abortifacient morning-after pill, Postinor-2, free of charge. The decision comes as a surprise as Chile's Supreme Court banned a similar morning-after pill on August 30. However, the ruling reflects an appeals court ruling Wednesday which permitted the new pill.

The same day that the Supreme Court in Chile banned the morning-after pill Postinal, since it can cause an abortion, the Ministry of Health approved Postinor-2 arguing that the court only banned a certain brand-name of abortifacient morning-after pill. Pro-lifers appealed to the Santiago Appeals Court to issue a clarification indicating that the ban was placed on Postinal because of it's abortifacient nature-- and counter to Chile's pro-life laws-- and thus should apply to all abortifacient drugs. However, the appeals court ruled Wednesday that Postinor-2 is allowable.

Dan Zeidler, President of the Family Life Council and a representative for the Latin American Alliance for the Family, told LifeSite that the Appeals Court decision will be appealed to the Supreme Court. The socialist Chilean government is also considering legalizing divorce.

CWN - Catholic World News
16. oktober 2001