Brazil Protests Against Proposed Abortion Law

An abortion rights activist with a message on her chest that reads in Portuguese: "How much is a rapist worth", takes part in a march against an anti-abortion congressional bill, along Paulista Avenue

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the streets of Brazil's capital to protest a bill that would further criminalize abortions. The proposed law equates terminating a pregnancy after 22 weeks with homicide and would also apply in cases of rape. Critics argue that most late-term abortions are sought by child rape victims whose pregnancies are detected later.

Rights groups launched the 'A child is not a mother' campaign to oppose the bill, flooding social media with the slogan. Demonstrators in various cities, including Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasilia, have voiced their opposition to the legislation.

'A child is not a mother' campaign opposes the legislation.

Proposed bill equates late-term abortion with homicide, includes cases of rape.

Critics argue bill could lead to lesser sentences for rapists than victims.

Late-term abortion access reflects healthcare inequalities in Brazil.

Abortion in Brazil only allowed in cases of rape with risk to mother's life or fetal abnormalities.

Author of bill, an Evangelical pastor, fast-tracked the legislation, causing outrage.

President Lula da Silva criticizes bill for punishing women more than rapists.

Latin American countries like Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile have seen progress in abortion rights.

Brazil's top court discusses decriminalizing abortion, with some justices in support.

Protesters in Brazil advocate for women's rights and autonomy against threats.

The bill, if passed, would increase the penalty for abortions performed after 22 weeks to between six and 20 years. Critics point out that this could result in convicted rapists receiving lesser sentences than their victims.

Experts highlight that late access to abortion reflects healthcare inequalities, with children, poor women, Black women, and those in rural areas being particularly at risk. In Brazil, abortion is only permitted in cases of rape if there is a risk to the mother's life or if the fetus has no functioning brain.

The bill's author, an Evangelical pastor, fast-tracked the legislation in the lower house, sparking outrage among protesters. The move was seen as a political tactic to garner support from Evangelical voters in upcoming elections.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his opposition to abortion but emphasized the need to treat it as a public health issue. He criticized the proposed law for punishing women more severely than rapists.

While strict abortion laws have traditionally prevailed in Latin America, feminist movements have made strides in recent years. Countries like Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile have seen advancements in abortion rights.

Brazil's top court has discussed decriminalizing abortion, with some justices supporting the move. Protesters in Brazil continue to advocate for progress and women's rights, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against threats to their autonomy.