New Brazilian Bill Proposes Mental Health Protections for Pregnant and Postpartum Public Security Workers
Federal Deputy Sargento Fahur introduced a bill establishing mental health protections for pregnant and postpartum women in Brazil's public security forces, honoring a late officer's legacy.
- • Bill introduced by Deputy Sargento Fahur addresses mental health for pregnant and postpartum women in public security.
- • Policy guarantees psychological care up to 12 months postpartum, with confidentiality and protection from discrimination.
- • Allows telehealth services and clarifies firearm restrictions require individual risk assessment.
- • Bill honors Natália Fagundes Morari and designates January 25 as National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day.
Key details
On October 31, 2026, Federal Deputy Sargento Fahur (PL-PR) presented Project 5.236/2026, a groundbreaking bill aimed at instituting a national mental health policy specifically for women working in public security and social defense during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Named the Natália Fagundes Morari National Policy for Integral Protection and Care of Mental Health, the legislation honors Natália Fagundes Morari, a police officer who tragically died 16 days after childbirth.
The bill defines postpartum care as extending for 12 months after birth, with possible extensions based on medical advice. It enshrines guaranteed access to psychological and psychiatric support regardless of career stage or professional status and aims to detect psychological distress early, prevent suicide, and facilitate safe return to work. Importantly, the policy includes provisions to prevent discrimination or retaliation against professionals seeking mental health care, establishing that voluntary requests for help cannot lead to disciplinary measures or negative job evaluations.
A notable aspect is the incorporation of telehealth services and strict confidentiality of medical information. The bill also addresses maternal and parental grief and crisis situations, defining clear care pathways involving assessment, treatment, emergency services, and follow-up.
The policy further clarifies that pregnancy, postpartum status, or mental health diagnoses alone will not justify firearm access restrictions; any limitation requires individualized assessments confirming significant risk. Additionally, January 25 is proposed as National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day for Public Security and Social Defense Professionals, emphasizing suicide prevention and mental health education within this sector.
Sargento Fahur highlighted that public security professionals face unique pregnancy-related stressors that can impact mental health and stressed this bill as a tribute to Natália's legacy. Coordination with existing public safety and health systems will support implementation, utilizing current infrastructure and programs.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
