In a major victory for the pro-life movement, Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón has signed a new law that officially recognizes unborn babies as “natural persons” from the moment of conception.
The legislation, known as Senate Bill 504 or PS 504, amends the territory’s Civil Code to confirm the personality of the newborn baby for civil purposes, such as inheritance rights.
The measure, which was signed into law in late December, sets a legal and moral precedent by enshrining the recognition of life from conception in the Puerto Rico framework.
While it does not change the island’s existing abortion statutes or introduce new protections against abortion, pro-life advocates hail it as a symbolic step toward building a culture of life.
Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life, celebrated the development significantly Life news”National Right to Life celebrates this historic achievement for the pro-life movement. Puerto Rico’s clear and courageous recognition of newborn babies as persons reflects a deep respect for life and provides a powerful example for lawmakers across the United States. Legal personhood for newborns is not only consistent with science and human dignity, but is the foundation on which a culture of life can flourish.”
Tobias further emphasized the law’s broader implications, saying, “Puerto Rico’s action constitutes a compelling reaffirmation that the protection of human life at all stages is a fundamental civil right. This action underscores the essential truth that every human being – born and unborn – deserves equal protection under the law.”
The law aligns Puerto Rico’s civil code with the biological reality that human life begins at conception, promoting equal protection for the unborn.
“This historic legal recognition marks one of the strongest pro-life statements in U.S. jurisdictions. By explicitly recognizing the inherent dignity and personhood of newborns, Puerto Rico has taken a principled and scientifically based step to align its civil law with the biological reality that human life begins at fertilization,” Life News explains.
Pro-life groups describe it as one of the strongest affirmations of life in U.S. jurisdictions, potentially paving the way for future legislation that could include an abortion ban to protect unborn children.
By recognizing the inherent dignity of the unborn child, Puerto Rico is setting an example that could inspire similar actions in other states and territories, strengthening the pro-life position that every life from conception deserves respect and protection.
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