Brazil Honors Reborn Doll Artisans Amid National Debate Over Medical Access

Hyper-realistic 'reborn' baby dolls have become a viral sensation in Brazil, sparking both fascination and political debate. Influencers have created viral videos simulating births and taking the dolls to public places, while the city council in Rio de Janeiro passed a bill honoring the artisans who create these dolls, awaiting the mayor's signature. However, controversy has arisen after a video showed a woman taking a reborn doll to a hospital, prompting some lawmakers to propose fines and bans on providing medical services to such dolls, despite no recorded cases of this occurring. Critics, including congresswoman Talíria Petrone, argue that the focus on these dolls distracts from more important issues, while the community of 'reborn mothers' defends their rights to use the dolls for emotional comfort and therapy. The dolls, which can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars, are often used for grief therapy or parenting practice, but their popularity has also led to increased security measures in shops selling them. The debate highlights a cultural clash between acceptance of the dolls as therapeutic tools and concerns about their social and political implications.