Abstract

In 2017, Chile decriminalized the voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VIP) for three specific reasons, evidencing gender-related social representations in the public and legislative debate. The aim of this article is to describe and analyze social representations about gender in relevant actors during the discussion on conscientious objection and decriminalization of VIP. The methodology used was qualitative. Fortytwo semi-structured interviews were conducted with relevant actors. After content analysis and triangulation of the information, the following subcategories emerged: “Woman - mother”, “Woman - subject of rights”, “Woman - vulnerable”, “Woman - discriminated”, “Woman - untrustworthy” and “Rights of women - rights of the fetus”. In conclusion, it is essential to abolish negative stereotypes towards women, recognizing them as rights holders. It is proposed to promote research on abortion that would allow to understand the phenomenon considering gender, establishing public policies that enhance the empowerment and recognition of women’s rights.