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.