Thousands of Brazilians took to the streets on Thursday to protest against a controversial bill currently under debate in Congress. The bill proposes equating abortion with homicide and imposing prison sentences of up to 20 years for terminating a pregnancy after 22 weeks, even in cases of rape.
The bill’s advancement was expedited by powerful conservative lawmakers, who bypassed the usual committee discussions and sent it straight to the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday. This move sparked outrage among progressive groups and activists who argue that the bill is a significant step backward for women’s rights in Brazil.
In Rio de Janeiro, protesters gathered, lighting candles and chanting slogans like “A girl is not a mother.” The demonstration highlighted the deep-seated opposition to the bill. Activist Vivian Nigri was among the vocal opponents, accusing lawmakers of prioritizing “the right of the foetus” over “the rights of a child.” She stressed that a child should not be forced to carry a pregnancy resulting from rape, underscoring the traumatic implications such a law would have on young victims.
Currently, Brazilian law allows abortion in cases of rape, without imposing any limits on when the procedure can be carried out. Abortion is also permitted if the woman’s life is at risk or if the fetus has a brain abnormality. Outside of these exceptions, abortion can result in up to four years of imprisonment.
The proposed bill, however, seeks to redefine the legal landscape by categorizing any abortion performed after 22 weeks of pregnancy as “simple homicide.” This classification would apply even in cases of rape, a significant departure from existing legal provisions. Under the new legislation, performing an abortion after the 22-week mark would carry a punishment ranging from six to 20 years in prison. This is notably harsher than the punishment for rapists, which highlights the bill’s severe stance on abortion.
The bill is being championed by an influential evangelical group that has substantial sway in the legislative process. They argue that after 22 weeks, the fetus is viable outside the womb and thus deserving of full legal protection. However, critics point out that this stance fails to consider the complexities and nuances of each individual case, particularly those involving rape victims, who may not report the crime immediately or may not realize they are pregnant until later in the term.
The proposed legislation could have severe repercussions for young girls and rape victims, many of whom may be too traumatized or frightened to come forward immediately. These victims often do not recognize the signs of pregnancy until after the 22-week period has passed, leaving them vulnerable to the harsh penalties proposed by the new bill.
No date has been set for the vote in the Chamber of Deputies, leaving the future of the bill uncertain. Meanwhile, opposition to the bill continues to grow, with protests spreading to other major cities across Brazil. Images shared on social media showed demonstrators in Sao Paulo, Brasilia, and Florianopolis, all united in their demand for reproductive rights and justice for women and girls.
The public outcry reflects a broader debate in Brazil about women’s rights and the extent of state control over reproductive health. Many fear that if passed, the bill would not only undermine women’s autonomy but also set a dangerous precedent for future legislation.
As the nation watches and waits, the protests serve as a potent reminder of the societal impact of such legislation. They amplify the voices of those who believe that reproductive rights are fundamental and that any attempt to curtail these rights must be met with strong resistance. The outcome of this legislative battle will undoubtedly have profound implications for the future of women’s rights in Brazil.
