WASHINGTON — National Right to Life is relieved by today’s Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) ruling in the case of Beatriz v. El Salvador. While some media outlets have sought to frame this decision as a rebuke of El Salvador’s pro-life laws, the Court notably did not address the question of abortion. Instead, it focused on other aspects of healthcare access and governmental procedures in the country.

Raimundo Rojas, CSO Representative to the Organization of American States for National Right to Life, emphasized the significance of the Court’s restraint:

Despite the clamor of abortion advocates, the Court wisely chose not to wade into the political waters of abortion. This is a crucial reminder that the fundamental right to life remains a core value across much of Latin America. El Salvador’s commitment to protecting both mother and child remains intact.

The case revolved around Beatriz, a young woman with a high-risk pregnancy in 2013. Abortion advocates seized on her situation to push for changes to El Salvador’s pro-life laws. However, Beatriz ultimately received the medical care she needed, including an early delivery via C-section. The case was later brought to the IACHR, alleging violations of her human rights related to access to health care.

The Court’s most critical finding centered on deficiencies in El Salvador’s health care system, particularly in its ability to provide timely and comprehensive care in complex medical situations. Notably, the ruling did not question or challenge El Salvador’s protective pro-life laws, affirming that these laws remain within the nation’s purview.

“This ruling underscores the importance of strengthening health care systems to ensure that every mother receives the support and care she needs, without resorting to the violence of abortion,” said Rojas. “We stand with the people of El Salvador as they continue to champion a culture of life.”

National Right to Life reiterates its commitment to protecting life at all stages and supporting nations that uphold these values. As this case demonstrates, the solution to healthcare challenges lies in improving medical care—not undermining the right to life of the most vulnerable among us. 

For further information, please contact the NRLC Communications Office at mediarelations@nrlc.org. 

Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of 50 state right-to-life affiliates, is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. NRLC works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia.