Chile debates 'Escucha su corazón' abortion law amid professional opposition and public survey

The Chilean Congress is considering the "Escucha su corazón" bill, which would require women seeking a legal abortion under the three‑causal framework to listen to a fetal heartbeat if detectable, and to record that decision in the clinical file. The proposal also stipulates that doctors may not perform the abortion if the woman refuses to hear the heartbeat.

The College of Midwives and Midwives of Chile publicly condemned the bill, calling it a coercive measure that undermines women's autonomy and mental health. The bill was introduced by members of the Republican Party, the National Libertarian Party and Renovación Nacional, and has faced procedural setbacks, including the withdrawal of Deputy Ximena Ossandón’s signature on 20 July 2026.

A recent Criteria poll showed a majority of Chileans oppose the initiative, with 54% expressing strong disagreement and only 21% in favor. Opposition is strongest among self‑identified left‑leaning respondents (88% reject) and weaker among right‑leaning participants (35% support). The survey also revealed mixed views on abortion more generally, with 31% favoring unrestricted access and 53% supporting limited circumstances.