Conservative populist Laura Fernández was elected president of Costa Rica on Feb. 1, signaling a renewed public endorsement of traditional values, including strong protections for the unborn and the family. 

Fernández, 39, of the Sovereign People’s Party, won approximately 48.3% of the vote, according to preliminary election results cited by AP News. Her closest challenger was Álvaro Ramos with 33.4%. In her victory speech, she invoked her Catholic faith, thanking God and describing herself as a defender of liberty, life, and the family. Throughout her campaign, Fernández has emphasized conservative values, family priorities, and a tough approach to drugs and rising crime. 

Fernández, a wife and mother, has repeatedly called for strong legal protections for unborn children. In one statement shared widely by pro-life advocates online, she said, “Defending the lives of Costa Ricans who have not yet been born is an obligation of the state. Abortion is nothing more than murder.”

Fernández previously served as a planning minister and chief of staff to outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves. She will become Costa Rica’s second female president when she takes office in May. According to Reuters, her administration is expected to continue Chaves’ policies, including his efforts to combat crime and maintain firm positions on social issues. 

In a statement shared by the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica, Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Fernández on her victory and vowed to “deepen our enduring partnership and promote shared prosperity in our hemisphere.” 

“Under her leadership,” he said, “we are confident Costa Rica will continue to advance shared priorities to include combatting narco-trafficking, ending illegal immigration to the United States, promoting cybersecurity and secure telecommunications, and strengthening economic ties.”