Brazilian Lawmakers Advance Bill Equating Abortion with Homicide

Protests erupted in Brazil as lawmakers moved to pass a bill equating abortions after 22 weeks with homicide, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison, sparking outrage among women's rights activists. The proposed legislation, backed by influential conservative figures, aims to criminalize late-term abortions, even in cases of rape, potentially impacting women's health and rights. Demonstrators in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro marched against the bill, criticizing the prioritization of fetal rights over those of women, with concerns about the severe penalties proposed. Currently, Brazilian law allows abortion in limited circumstances, but if the bill passes, it could significantly restrict access to safe and legal abortion, especially for young victims of rape, amplifying calls for broader reproductive rights.