Dados is one of the most widely-read social sciences journals in Latin America. Created in 1966, it publishes innovative works, originating from academic research, by Brazilian and foreign authors. Edited by IESP-UERJ, it aims to reconcile scientific rigor and academic excellence with an emphasis on public debate based on the analysis of substantive issues of society and politics.
Dados vol. 57 n. 1 Rio de Janeiro jan./mar. 2014
Abstract
Brazil's Third National Human Rights Program raised a controversy in relation to previous programs by proposing to pass a bill to decriminalize abortion 'on grounds of women's autonomy to decide on matters pertaining to their own bodies'. The article presents an anthropological analysis of this debate based on three materials: a document search aimed at comparing the focus of the current and previous programs, a survey of print and electronic media stories covering the controversy, and ethnographic observation of events in which abortion is discussed in relation to human rights. The study maps the main actors in this controversy. Demands for recognition of human rights involve the clash between pro-life groups, who defend the fetus' right to life, and the feminist movement, demanding decriminalization of abortion as a woman's right.
Keywords: abortion, human rights, Brazilian National Human Rights Program, anthropology
DOI: 10.1590/S0011-52582014000100008
The Abortion Controversy and the 3rd National Human Rights Program
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