Puerto Rico Strengthens Protections for Unborn Children
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Governor Jenniffer González has signed a bill into law that updates the island’s legal code to recognize the unborn child as a human being. The move is being hailed by supporters as a step forward for protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring consistency in the application of justice.
Gov. González stated that the new law aims to align civil and criminal laws by acknowledging the unborn as human.
The amendment to Puerto Rico’s Penal Code modifies the definition of murder. It reinforces existing law that already defines the intentional killing of a pregnant woman as first-degree murder, also resulting in the death of the unborn child at any stage.
The new law is named in honor of Keishla Rodríguez, a pregnant woman who was tragically murdered in 2021.
Supporters of the bill emphasize that it is intended to guarantee that those who commit violence against pregnant women face the full consequences of their actions, recognizing the loss of both lives. They also stated the law is separate from the ongoing debate surrounding abortion access.
Critics, however, fear this could open the door to restrictions on abortion. Some worry it could lead to doctors hesitating to treat complicated pregnancies.
