Chile's incoming far-right president, José Antonio Kast, appointed Judith Marín, a vocal opponent of abortion, as the country's new women and gender equality minister on Tuesday in Santiago. Marín, 30, has publicly expressed her support for life from conception to natural death and has decried bills to decriminalize abortion.

Marín's appointment has sparked concern among women's rights advocates in Chile, given her staunch opposition to abortion rights. She was once removed from Chile's senate by police for shouting "return to the Lord" during a vote to decriminalize abortion under limited circumstances. Her background includes serving as an evangelical former student church group president and belonging to the Eagles of Jesus, a far-right Christian group that recruits at universities nationwide.

The selection of Marín comes at a time when women globally are fighting for greater autonomy over their bodies and reproductive health. Chile itself has seen significant progress in recent years regarding women's rights, including the legalization of abortion in cases of rape, fetal inviability, or risk to the mother's life. However, activists fear that Marín's appointment signals a potential rollback of these advancements.

The role of the women and gender equality minister is crucial in addressing issues such as gender-based violence, economic inequality, and discrimination. Many are questioning how Marín, with her strong anti-abortion stance, will effectively advocate for the diverse needs and rights of all women in Chile.

Kast's decision reflects a broader trend of conservative and far-right political movements gaining traction in various parts of the world, often challenging established norms and progress on gender equality. The appointment sets the stage for potential clashes between the incoming administration and women's rights organizations, as they navigate the future of gender equality policies in Chile. The next steps will likely involve close monitoring of Marín's actions and policy proposals as she assumes her new role.