Brazil holds public hearings on decriminalization of abortion
Of the 53 people and organizations to debate the decriminalization of abortion in Brazil at public hearings to be held at the country’s Supreme Court Friday (Aug. 3) and Monday (6), 33 are expected to argue for turning the procedure legal—62 percent of the total.
As it stands today, abortion is only legal in Brazil in cases of rape, anencephaly in the fetus, and major threats to the mother’s life.
Altogether, the Supreme Court received 187 requests from people interested in taking part in the two-day event. The requests were filed by Justice Rosa Weber, tasked with drawing up the report in the case brought by the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL), which questions the constitutionality of articles in Brazil’s criminal code that define abortion as a crime. In the case, the PSOL argue that a woman should have the right to have an abortion up to the 12th week of her pregnancy. Justice Weber believes the hearings are “an effective method to debate and reach a legal response.”
Global Health Strategies found that 42 percent of statements in favor of decriminalizing abortion will be based on scientific data. On the other side, 55 percent of statements will be founded on religious principles.
Also according to the organization, nearly half of speakers (43.7%) is formed by legal specialists, most of whom (82%) favor decriminalization. The same holds true for health experts.
Each speaker will be allowed to make their case for 20 minutes, after which 30 minutes will be dedicated to answering possible questions posed by court justices.
Authorities from the World Health Organization, the Health Ministry and the National Congress, as well as other government officials are also expected to attend.
The criteria used in choosing the speakers included technical representation or expertise in their field, the Supreme Court reported. The court authorities also said they sought balance between those for and against the decriminalization of abortion.
