Brazil’s Supreme Court Considers Decriminalizing Abortion
Brazil’s Supreme Court is currently voting on whether to decriminalize abortion in a landmark case that has sparked a national debate. The country’s current law allows abortion only in cases of rape, risk to the woman’s life, and an undeveloped brain in the fetus, known as anencephaly. If the Supreme Court rules in favor, abortion would be decriminalized up to the 12th week of pregnancy.
The discussion around decriminalizing abortion has brought forward personal stories that highlight the complexities and challenges faced by women seeking abortions. Consider Paloma, a 26-year-old mother-of-three who discovered her pregnancy when she went to have a contraceptive implant fitted.
Initially, Paloma embraced the idea of adding to her family. However, a routine scan at 15 weeks revealed that the fetus had a rare condition called body stalk anomaly, which meant the baby would not survive long after birth. Paloma sought answers and options from her doctor, but his response was cold and unhelpful.
Brazil’s abortion law, dating back to 1940, does not allow for cases like Paloma’s. However, she discovered that with the support of two medical professionals, a judge could grant her an abortion. It took weeks of searching and gathering a team of professionals, including lawyers and psychologists, for Paloma to finally receive the necessary support to end her pregnancy.
The current legal landscape surrounding abortion in Brazil has faced criticism for being outdated and restrictive. Other countries in the region, such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, have recently changed their laws to allow for more access to safe and legal abortions.
Supporters of decriminalization argue that it is a matter of women’s rights and bodily autonomy. Cristião Fernando Rosas of Global Doctors for Choice Brasil states that clinging to a law created 82 years ago is equivalent to being against women’s rights.
However, there are those who oppose decriminalization, citing personal beliefs and religious convictions. Catholics Nathalia Prado de Andrade and Milena Barroso Moura Tavares Correia de Oliveira actively campaign against liberalizing abortion, viewing it as a political move.
As the Supreme Court prepares to vote, the outcome will have significant implications for women across Brazil. Critics argue that denying access to safe and legal abortions places women’s lives and health at risk. Dr. Roberta Kronemberger Santos, a healthcare professional, emphasizes that it’s about individual choices and everyone’s right to choose.
Those in favor of decriminalization believe that it is crucial to have open discussions about women’s rights, challenging prejudices, and addressing outdated laws that impede progress. Dr. Cristião Fernando Rosas calls for an acceptance of differing perspectives, reminding individuals who are against abortion that they have the right to refrain from using that particular option.
As Brazil’s Supreme Court votes on decriminalizing abortion, the nation eagerly awaits the outcome. The decision will shape the future of women’s reproductive rights and serve as a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for gender equality and bodily autonomy.
