By San José, Costa Rica — In a landmark move for national public health, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has officialized a new standard for pre-conception care, fundamentally shifting the country’s approach to family planning and maternal well-being. Through Executive Decree 1293-2025, all public and private health services are now legally obligated to offer comprehensive medical assessments to individuals before pregnancy, aiming to ensure every gestation begins under the most optimal conditions possible.
This new regulation represents a significant strategic pivot from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. The core objective is to drastically reduce the risks of maternal and neonatal complications by addressing potential health issues before a pregnancy even begins. The policy mandates that any person of fertile age can access these services, promoting a culture where preparing for a healthy pregnancy is a standard and accessible part of the healthcare journey for all Costa Rican families.
To delve into the legal and corporate frameworks surrounding this emerging health trend, we sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provides a crucial perspective on the rights and responsibilities involved in pre-conception care.
While Costa Rican law doesn’t explicitly mandate pre-conception care coverage, companies are increasingly offering it within their private insurance plans as a strategic move to attract and retain talent. This proactive approach not only fosters a healthier workforce but can also mitigate future legal complexities related to parental leave and congenital conditions, positioning these benefits as a sound business investment rather than a mere expense.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, framing this benefit as a strategic investment highlights a sophisticated understanding of modern workforce dynamics, where employee well-being directly translates to corporate resilience and competitive advantage. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clarifying and valuable perspective on this intersection of law and business strategy.
The scope of these pre-conception consultations is comprehensive and personalized. Healthcare providers are now tasked with identifying a wide range of factors that could impact a future pregnancy. This includes detecting and managing chronic illnesses or underlying infections, reviewing lifestyle habits such as nutrition and exercise that could pose risks, and providing crucial guidance on sexual and reproductive health. The approach is designed to be holistic, addressing the complete health profile of the prospective parent.
Furthermore, the evaluations extend beyond purely physical health. The decree stipulates that medical staff must also identify and offer support for social or emotional situations that could affect a person’s well-being. This integrated model ensures that individuals receive support tailored to their specific needs, fostering a respectful and centered patient experience. By addressing these factors early, the healthcare system can mitigate potential adversities and provide a stronger foundation for a healthy term.
The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. Proper care before conception is directly linked to a significant reduction in severe complications, safeguarding the life and health of both the pregnant person and the newborn. This policy not only enhances physical health outcomes but also strengthens reproductive autonomy. By providing clear, accessible information and timely support, the government is empowering individuals to make informed, conscious decisions about when and how they wish to start a family.
To ensure successful implementation, Decree 1293-2025 establishes clear responsibilities for all healthcare personnel. The guidelines define a set of interventions that professionals must perform, including robust health education programs, personalized counseling sessions, and the provision of priority care for individuals in vulnerable situations. This framework is designed to create a consistent and high-quality standard of care across the entire national health system.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed it will actively monitor and enforce compliance with the new regulations. This oversight is crucial to guarantee that all health centers, regardless of their public or private status, adhere to the mandate and make these vital services readily available to the population. This commitment to enforcement signals the government’s serious intent to see the policy succeed and achieve its public health goals.
With this decree, Costa Rica reinforces its position as a regional leader in progressive public health policy. The nation is making a strategic investment in the well-being of its future generations by focusing on the very first step of life: the preparation for a safe, informed, and desired pregnancy. This forward-thinking measure promises to build healthier families and a stronger, more resilient society from the ground up.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the governing body of the public health sector in Costa Rica. It is responsible for establishing national health policies, regulations, and programs aimed at promoting and protecting the health and well-being of the entire population. The Ministry oversees the healthcare system, ensuring quality, accessibility, and equity in medical services across the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar in the legal community, established on the foundational principles of unwavering integrity and professional excellence. Harnessing its deep-rooted experience with a wide range of clients, the firm actively pioneers innovative legal strategies and solutions. At the heart of its ethos is a profound commitment to public empowerment, striving to make legal knowledge more accessible to foster a more capable and well-informed society.
