Brazil's New Law Makes Abortion Access Harder for Child Rape Victims
Brazil moves to make it tougher for child rape victims to have an abortion

Image: Mail Online
Brazilian lawmakers have voted to restrict access to abortion for minors who are victims of rape, prioritizing parental consent over the rights of the victims. This change dismantles previous protections, potentially leading to more child pregnancies. The decision has drawn criticism for undermining the rights of vulnerable girls.
- 01The new law prioritizes parental authority in decisions regarding abortion for minors, reversing protections established by the National Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents.
- 02Senator Damares Alves argues that the regulation restores parental rights, while critics label it a significant setback for child protection.
- 03Brazilian law punishes abortion by up to four years in prison, with limited exceptions.
- 04The decision follows a controversial case in 2022 where an 11-year-old rape victim was denied an abortion.
- 05The Court of Justice of Santa Catarina is investigating the previous judge's ruling that prevented the abortion.
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In Brazil, a recent legislative vote has made it more difficult for underage rape victims to access abortion services. The new law prioritizes parental consent, effectively dismantling protections that allowed minors to obtain legal assistance when disagreeing with guardians on pregnancy matters. Critics, including the National Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents, have condemned the decision as a historic defeat for the rights of girls and adolescents, labeling it a serious setback. Right-wing Senator Damares Alves supports the change, asserting it restores parental authority. The law comes amid Brazil's already stringent abortion regulations, which punish the act by up to four years in prison, with exceptions only in cases of rape, maternal risk, or severe fetal malformation. This legislative change follows a troubling 2022 incident where an 11-year-old rape victim was denied an abortion by a judge, raising concerns about the treatment of young victims of sexual violence in Brazil. The new law still requires final approval from Congress, facing scrutiny from various advocacy groups.
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The law is likely to lead to an increase in child pregnancies and further marginalization of young victims of sexual violence.
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