Negotiating reproductive policy: perspectives on adolescent sexuality in contemporary Chile

International agreements include within ‘reproductive rights’ women’s right to safe abortion and effective contraception methods, but Chile consistently fails to include legislation and policy allowing universal access to these rights. Pervasive Catholic and conservative forces influence this policy. This establishes a difficult reality for adolescents, whose active and safe sexuality is restricted, contributing to high adolescent maternity rates and high rates of illegal, backstreet abortions. Health professionals frequently diverge on whether these restrictions should be removed. Contrary to the human rights of these adolescents, current policy restricts their access to adequate sex education and reinforces gender inequalities.A dissertation submitted in part-fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of M.Sc. in Globalisation and Latin-American Development, 2008-9.