A strong criticism of the approval of the constitutional norm that enshrines sexual and reproductive rights was expressed by the rector of the Catholic University, Ignacio Sánchez, who even stated that the endorsement of that norm in plenary “attacks the first human right, which is life”.
In an interview with The Mercury held shortly after the inauguration of the 2022 academic year at said university, Sánchez stated that “a few weeks ago a regulation on sexual and reproductive rights was approved, which means guaranteeing free abortion in our country, without cause or within a period of time.” the gestation. Along with this, it ensures its ‘exercise free of violence and interference from third parties, whether from individuals or institutions, which implies that the exercise of freedom of conscience and the ideology of institutions that are oriented to the care of people are eliminated” .
The rector of the Catholic University argued that “everything described is of the utmost seriousness (there is no other similar case in the world), which requires an in-depth analysis and debate on the value we assign to life.”
“The debate must include personal conscientious objection and respect for the ideology of institutions with public health contributions to the country,” he added.
Likewise, Sánchez advocated a consensus Constitution, while also questioning the exclusionary and divisive spirit that, in his opinion, has been installed in the Constituent Convention. “Crucial days and weeks are coming in the work that the Convention is doing. A period in which, above divisions, dialogue, agreements and a broad and inclusive view of the country’s needs must prevail.”
“Unfortunately, this spirit of advancing as a country of dialogue and diversity is not being perceived (…) since division and exclusion have been seen, which cannot continue,” he added, without first expressing his concern that “the Constitution or it passes by a narrow margin, or it doesn’t, and neither of those things are good for the country.”
