Puerto Rico has taken a significant step toward strengthening legal protections for unborn children after Republican Governor Jenniffer González signed legislation recognizing an unborn baby as a human being under territorial law.
González said the measure is intended to align civil and criminal statutes by formally acknowledging the humanity of the unborn.
In a statement, the governor said:
“This aims to maintain consistency between civil and criminal provisions by recognizing the unborn child as a human being.”
Law Strengthens Protections in Murder Cases
The amendment, Senate Bill 923, modifies Puerto Rico’s Penal Code definition of murder.
It also complements an existing statute establishing first-degree murder charges when a perpetrator intentionally kills a pregnant woman and causes the death of her unborn child at any stage of gestation.
The legislation is named after Keishla Rodríguez, a pregnant woman murdered in April 2021.
Her partner, former boxer Félix Verdejo, was convicted and sentenced to two life terms for the killing.
Supporters say the law ensures consistent legal recognition of unborn life and imposes stronger penalties for crimes involving pregnant women.
Abortion law in Puerto Rico remains unchanged.
Pro-Abortion Activists Object
Abortion-rights advocates and allied organizations condemned the measure, claiming it could influence future abortion policy in the U.S. territory.
Rosa Seguí Cordero, spokesperson for the National Campaign for Free, Safe and Accessible Abortion in Puerto Rico, said:
“A zygote was given legal personality.
“We women were stripped of our rights.”
Dr. Carlos Díaz Vélez, president of Puerto Rico’s College of Medical Surgeons, argued that the law could pressure physicians to avoid treating high-risk pregnancies.
“This will bring complex clinical decisions into the realm of criminal law,” he said, claiming it could produce “disastrous consequences.”
He also argued the statute may require new medical protocols and could allow outside interference in doctor–patient decision-making.
“The system is not prepared for this,” Díaz said.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Puerto Rico similarly criticized the legislative process.
Executive Director Annette Martínez Orabona said:
“There is no doubt that the measure did not undergo adequate analysis before its approval and leaves an unacceptable space for ambiguity regarding civil rights.
“The legislative leadership failed to fulfill its responsibility to the people, and so did the governor.”
Broader Debate Over Unborn Protections
The new law places Puerto Rico at the center of the national debate over legal recognition of unborn children and the balance between criminal justice protections and abortion policy.
While the legislation does not alter the territory’s current abortion laws, it establishes a clearer legal framework recognizing unborn victims in violent crimes, marking a notable policy shift with potential long-term implications for how life is defined and protected in law.
READ MORE – ‘Socialist’ AOC Accused of Hypocrisy Over Lavish Puerto Rico Trip
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.