How far-right ‘fear tactics’ affect girls seeking legal abortion in Brazil

March 7, 2026

Brazilian Deputy Chris Tonietto proposed a legislative decree to suspend a resolution from the National Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents (Conanda) that established protocols for minors to access legal abortion following sexual violence. The resolution, which did not change existing law but merely clarified procedures for health professionals, was created in response to extremely low abortion access rates despite thousands of pregnancies among girls aged 10-14. Right-wing politicians falsely characterized the resolution as expanding abortion rights and claimed it undermined parental authority, when in fact it sought to protect child victims whose abusers are frequently family members.

Who is affected

Girls under age 14 who are victims of sexual violence and pregnant
Pregnant minors seeking legal abortion services
Health professionals providing abortion services in public hospitals and clinics
Members of Conanda (National Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents)
Sexual violence victims and reproductive rights advocates
The approximately 14,000 girls aged 10-14 who became pregnant in 2023
Staff at the 88 public clinics across 55 Brazilian cities that provide legal abortion services

What action is being taken

A mixed parliamentary front "against abortion and pro-life" is operating with 172 deputies and 10 senators
Health professionals are providing abortion services at public hospitals despite the confusion
Advocacy organization Nem Presa Nem Morta is receiving messages from health professionals and partners about the confusion
Women are protesting in different regions of the country, displaying pictures of politicians who voted to block the resolution

Why it matters

This matters because it creates dangerous barriers for child victims of sexual violence seeking constitutionally protected healthcare. With only 1.1% of pregnant girls aged 10-14 accessing legal abortion in 2023 despite nearly 14,000 pregnancies, the misinformation campaign further deters vulnerable children from obtaining necessary medical services. The issue is particularly critical because over 60% of abusers are family members, meaning parental consent requirements can protect perpetrators rather than victims. The false narratives and legislative maneuvers exemplify how democratic tools are being weaponized to undermine established rights through confusion rather than legal change, with pregnancy in this age group posing severe health risks including eclampsia, infections, and complications for both mother and child according to WHO.

What's next

The proposal still needs to pass through the Senate (which has a right and centre-right majority) to make the suspension effective.

Read full article from source: Global Voices