Paper short abstract:

In this paper, we will present preliminary findings from the REPROMOB study on how regulations and networks impact on abortion access in Colombia and Chile. Both countries have different regulations that leads to mobilities playing a pivotal role in abortion access

Paper long abstract:

Latin America is an example of a fragmented legal landscape that encompasses territories with both restrictive and liberal abortion regulations. Chile in 2017 enacted Law 21,030, which decriminalizes voluntary termination of pregnancy on three grounds: when the life of the person is at risk, when the embryo or fetus suffers from a lethal pathology, and in pregnancy due to rape, a regulation similar to those of most countries with restrictive laws in the region. In 2022, the Colombian Constitutional Court decriminalized abortion up to 24 weeks of gestation, making Colombia the country with the most liberal abortion law in Latin America. In both countries the implementation of the new regulations has been difficult and the number of legal abortions is less than expected, which leads to mobilities playing a pivotal role in abortion access.

Through interviews with experts, activists and people who had abortions, REPROMOB project is investigating how mobilities impact abortion access. In this paper, we will present preliminary findings from the study in Colombia and Chile.

Abortion travel is common in Colombia, as foreigners travel there to circumvent their own country’s restrictive laws. In addition, Colombian residents living in underserved areas often travel to big cities to access abortion services. In Chile, where the Law is very restrictive, traveling to have an abortion is rare. Most people use abortion pills in order to interrupt their pregnancy. As these pills are not produced in Chile some activists travel in order to get it or receive them via mail.