Massive protests have broken out across Brazil, particularly in major cities like São Paulo and Porto Alegre, against the proposed bill PL 1904/2024, which would equate abortion after 22 weeks of gestation with homicide. The bill, swiftly approved by the Chamber of Deputies, has provoked outrage for its harsh penalties of six to 20 years in prison for women and healthcare professionals involved in abortions, even in cases of rape. The government, led by Minister of Institutional Relations Alexandre Padilha, has voiced strong opposition to the bill, emphasizing that it will not support any changes to current abortion legislation and criticizing the bill for its potential to criminalize victims of sexual violence. The United Nations has also weighed in, with the UN’s Special Representative for Children and Violence, Najat Maalla, expressing concern about the bill’s violation of children’s and adolescents’ rights. Protests are expected to continue, with a significant demonstration planned in front of the MASP in São Paulo on Saturday, June 15, at 3 pm.
Key points
- Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies approved a bill equating abortion after 22 weeks with homicide, prompting widespread protests.
- The government opposes the bill, with Minister Alexandre Padilha criticizing it for punishing rape victims more severely than their attackers.
- UN officials and international organizations have expressed concern over the bill’s violation of human rights.
- Significant protests are scheduled to continue, reflecting strong societal opposition to the bill.
