Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Brazil to protest an anti-abortion bill that would criminalize terminations after 22 weeks, equating them with homicide. The proposed law, backed by conservative lawmakers, includes no exceptions for cases of rape, sparking outrage among women’s rights activists. Amidst the growing opposition, social media campaigns and protests have emerged with slogans like ‘A child is not a mother,’ drawing attention to the harsh implications of the bill.
The bill, if passed, could lead to jail time for women seeking late-term abortions, raising concerns about the well-being of rape victims who might only discover their pregnancies after 22 weeks. Critics argue that such laws disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including children and women living in rural areas, highlighting the inequality in access to healthcare. Women in Brazil are currently at risk of imprisonment for terminating pregnancies, with strict laws dating back to 1940.
The situation has sparked widespread protests in major cities, with demonstrators urging for the protection of rape victims and the decriminalization of abortion. In a region where abortion laws are traditionally strict, the push for reproductive rights is gaining momentum, influenced by recent victories in countries like Argentina and Mexico. As the debate intensifies, the fate of women’s rights in Brazil hangs in the balance.