The impacts of rape of vulnerable persons in Brazil’s central-west region: an analysis of live births and abortions

INTRODUCTION: Article 217-A of the Brazilian Penal Code defines sexual intercourse or another sexual act with a person younger than 14 years as a crime. Experiences during childhood and adolescence influence personality development. Rape of a vulnerable person therefore causes a range of psychological and physical consequences for victims, one of which may be an unintended pregnancy. Abortion is legally permitted in this situation but still faces restrictions that favor unsafe procedures. This study surveyed data on pregnancies resulting from rape of vulnerable persons in Brazil’s Central-West Region, quantifying live births and abortions.

Method

Data were obtained from the ‘Monitoring Panels of the Department of Epidemiologic Analysis and Noncommunicable Disease Surveillance’ on the GovBR website. Search filters were found under the ‘Live Births’ subsection of the ‘Births’ section and covered reference years 2021–2024, the Central-West Region, and maternal ages 0–14 years. A Ministry of Health platform was used to collect abortion data with the following filters: hospitalizations in the Central-West Region; ICD-10 morbidity list categories ‘spontaneous abortion,’ ‘abortion for medical reasons,’ and ‘other pregnancies ending in abortion’; age up to 14 years; and the period from 2021 to 2024.

Results

Between 2021 and 2024, 4,658 live births resulting from rape of vulnerable persons were recorded in the Central-West Region. Mato Grosso had the highest concentration of cases. In total, 438 pregnancies ended in abortion, with the highest number of cases recorded in 2022.

Discussion

The survey indicates alarming numbers of rapes of vulnerable persons that resulted in pregnancy. The lack of assistance for this child population is evident and constitutes a violation of human rights.

Conclusion

The circumstances faced by these girls are alarming. It is therefore essential to discuss this issue and, above all, to question and promote public policies that give it greater visibility.