Chilean Deputy Criticizes "Free Abortion" and Agenda 2030, Sparking Debate
During a session in the Chamber of Deputies, Chilean National Libertarian Party deputy Cristóbal Urruticoechea raised concerns about perceived "free abortion" in Chile, attributing it to modifications in Technical Norm Nº259. His remarks came amidst widespread rejection of his "Listen to Their Hearts" bill. Urruticoechea also controversially requested the Chamber's president to silence feminists during his address. The article argues that Urruticoechea's characterization of the UN's Agenda 2030 as "evil" and "brutal" is unfounded. The Agenda 2030, adopted by 193 UN member states, is presented as a culmination of international agreements on human rights and sustainable development. Specifically, Objective 5 (SDG 5) aims to ensure equal rights, opportunities, and voices for women. Its goals include ending discrimination and violence against women and girls, eradicating child marriage and female genital mutilation, recognizing unpaid care work, promoting women's participation in decision-making, and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health. The author questions whether ending child marriage or promoting gender equality are indeed "brutal" or "evil," suggesting that denying these advancements is the real issue. The piece references Senate President Paulina Núñez's recent public address, which highlighted the need to close gaps affecting women, including universal childcare, marital property, labor inclusion, and women's health. The article concludes by emphasizing that democratic debate requires seriousness and responsibility, and that misrepresenting international agreements aimed at poverty reduction and equality impoverishes public discourse. It posits that the relevant question is not why feminists speak, but why they should be silenced when evident inequalities persist and are ignored by some.
This event highlights a recurring tension between progressive social agendas and conservative political viewpoints within democratic discourse. Deputy Urruticoechea's framing of Agenda 2030 as "evil" and his call to silence feminists represent a rhetorical strategy to mobilize a specific base by invoking fears of societal change and perceived threats to traditional values. Such rhetoric can obscure the substantive policy debates surrounding reproductive rights, gender equality, and international development goals. The article's counter-argument emphasizes the established international consensus and the practical benefits of pursuing gender equality and sustainable development, framing opposition as a denial of progress. Moving forward, understanding the underlying incentives driving these opposing perspectives—whether rooted in ideological conviction, electoral strategy, or genuine concern over unintended consequences—will be crucial for fostering more productive policy discussions that address societal needs without resorting to demeaning or silencing opposing voices.
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