Two events will take place in the Chilean National Congress on 21 January, in response to the announcement by president Gabriel Boric, endorsed by the ministry of the Women's Affairs, that a draft law on legal abortion will be sent to the national parliament for discussion.

The fact that these two events will take place in the Hall of Honour of the Congress is of public impact, as this is where the presidential change of office takes place, and where every year the president gives his public account to the Congress.

The first event will be the screening of the film Amada (Beloved) by director Andy Matta, which was released in June 2024. Although the movie has Christian values, it is not a "religious film", but rather a compelling film with an engaging plot on the issue of the defense of human life.

Afterwards, in the same place, the signing of the Commitment for Life document will take place, endorsed by senators and deputies from different parties. The initiative is led by the Member of Parliament Stephan Schubert, a lawyer who is vocal about his Christian faith.

Initially announced for 7 January, at the last minute the presentation of the film and the signing of the document were postponed for “hardly credible reasons, but we finally managed to reschedule it for Tuesday 21 January”, the organisers told Latin American news website Evangelico Digital.

‘Amada’

Amada is a Chilean production, based on real testimonies. It is written and directed by Andy Matta, with a cast formed by Camila Urizar, Fercol, Pablo Rodríguez and Ana Domínguez.

The film is about Roxy, a young and talented artist at the pinnacle of success, who, after getting pregnant, is faced with a devastating decision that will change her life forever.

The script does not focus on the decision to have an abortion, but on the internal personal, ethical and spiritual conflict that follows such a terrible decision. After falling into despair Roxy finds comfort in the transformative power of music.

Commitment for life

In addition to Stephan Schubert, MP and member of the Republican Party, the initiative is also led and supported by several other organisations.

Each Member of Parliament will sign the document in a personal capacity. There will be a broad representation of parties, including the Republican Party, the Independent Democratic Union (UDI), National Renewal, Yellows and Democrats, among others.

Once signed, the statement will be distributed to pastors and religious leaders in the country, and to the press. On 25 March, the commitment will result in the inauguration of a pro-life parliamentary caucus.

The only precedent in Chile of such an initiative happened between 2016 and 2017, as a result of the political discussion on abortion: then, a transversal pro-life bench was organised.