Chile moves to end absolute ban on abortion

Chile’s Constitutional Court has upheld a measure that would end the country’s absolute ban on abortions.

The court’s 6-4 vote accepted the constitutionality of a measure to legalise abortions when a woman’s life is in danger, when a fetus is not viable and in cases of rape.

Chile is the last country in South America to ban abortion in all cases.

Court secretary Rodrigo Pica said details of the decision, which cannot be appealed, would be released on 28 August. Demonstrators in favour of therapeutic abortion celebrated outside the courtroom in the Chilean capital, while opponents protested.

President Michelle Bachelet has said she will sign the measure that passed Congress this month.