The Ministry of Health of Costa Rica informed the Social Security Service (CCSS) that the “Protocol of clinical attention for the medical procedure related to article 121 of the Criminal Code: therapeutic interruption of pregnancy”, has been approved.

The protocol, as stated in the Executive Decree, standardizes the actions in the health services network of the different professionals (OBGYNs, obstetric nurses, support groups, etc.) involved in the assessment of women whose life or health is considered in danger and that request the therapeutic interruption of the pregnancy themselves or through their doctor, according to the technical norm.

The request activates the organization of a group of three professionals to study the case in particular and determine whether the interruption of the pregnancy is the only viable medical option to protect the life or health of a woman.

The group of professionals will be formed by two OBGYN specialists and other specialists in the field of the ailing suffered by the pregnant patient. If necessary, the group can consult with other specialists.

Back in December 2019 President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado, and the Minister of Health, Daniel Salas, signed the “technical norm for the therapeutic interruption of pregnancy”.

The Ministry of Health has since the beginning made special emphasis in clarifying that by no means this norm gives freedom to other types of abortion. “This guide guarantees the application of medical criteria and the therapeutic interruption of pregnancy only when there is no other alternative and the woman has agreed to it”.