Brazil Advances Legislative Efforts to Support Women Victims of Violence with Priority Healthcare Access
Brazil's Senate approves bill ensuring priority free surgeries and psychological aid for women victims of violence, while a public hearing highlights statistics and legislative alignment for tackling violence against women.
- • Senate approves PL 715/2019 guaranteeing free reconstructive surgeries and priority psychological/social care for women victims of violence.
- • Bill expands coverage beyond domestic violence and mandates informing women of their priority rights in health and social services.
- • Senate amendments include terminology changes and removal of campaign obligations; bill returns to Chamber of Deputies.
- • Public hearing with Minister Márcia Lopes focused on violence statistics and aligning legislative actions with Brazilian women's needs.
Key details
On March 11, 2026, Brazil's Senate approved a significant bill (PL 715/2019) enhancing healthcare priority for women victims of violence by guaranteeing free reconstructive surgeries and prioritizing psychological and social assistance. This legislation expands current protections beyond domestic violence to encompass all forms of violence, addressing an important gap in victim support. Senator Dorinha Seabra (União-TO), who authored the substitute text, highlighted the need to cover women affected by non-family violence, which is often underreported. The bill requires public health, police, and social assistance services to inform women about their priority rights, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness of these protections. This measure aligns with existing laws such as Law 13.239/2015 and Law 14.887/2024.
The bill returns now to the Chamber of Deputies for approval of Senate amendments, which included significant terminology changes—from "woman who suffered violence" to "woman in situation of violence"—and removal of campaign obligations, now the Executive's responsibility. Senator Augusta Brito (PT-CE) also amended the bill to remove the need for victims to prove the violence or its aesthetic impact, reducing barriers to assistance.
Concurrently, a public hearing convened by the Commission on Combating Violence against Women focused on violence statistics and the Feminicide Law's implementation. Minister of Women, Márcia Lopes, participated, stressing alignment of legislative action with the realities Brazilian women face. Deputy Luizianne Lins (PT-CE) emphasized the need for these informed discussions to guide the commission’s 2026-2027 work plan, ensuring laws and oversight respond effectively to women's demands.
These developments exemplify Brazil's ongoing commitment to strengthening protections and support systems for women victims of violence, integrating data-driven policy discussions with legislative advances in healthcare access and victim rights.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
