Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González has taken a notable step forward in the realm of fetal rights by signing Senate Bill 923. This law officially recognizes unborn babies as human beings under the territory’s Penal Code, a significant change in legal stance. González, a Republican and supporter of former President Trump, emphasized that this legislation “aims to maintain consistency between civil and criminal provisions by recognizing the unborn child as a human being.”
The amendment to the Penal Code means that the death of an unborn child will now be considered in cases of homicide. If a pregnant woman is a victim of a violent crime that results in the loss of her fetus, the perpetrator can now face murder charges for the unborn child as well. This provision highlights a shift not only in legal terminology but also in the perception of fetal personhood in criminal law.
This move is part of a broader strategy following earlier legislation passed in late 2025, known as Law 183-2025, which also recognized the unborn child as a “natural person” within Puerto Rico’s civil law. A natural person, in legal terms, denotes an individual with inherent rights, contrasting with corporations and other entities that hold artificial legal status. This previous law has laid the groundwork for the recent changes, cementing the notion that unborn children are deserving of formal legal recognition.
Key aspects of the new amendment include the inclusion of the unborn child as a human being from the moment of conception, eligibility for inheritance rights, and a status allowing them to be recognized under various legal frameworks. It reflects an intention to enhance penalties for violence against pregnant women, signaling a commitment to their protection.
The context behind the legislation is poignant. It is named after Keishla Rodríguez, a pregnant woman tragically murdered in April 2021. Her partner, Félix Verdejo, a former boxer, was found guilty and sentenced to two life terms for his crime. The bill serves not only as a tribute to Rodríguez but also as a legislative response to the violence that can engulf expectant mothers.
Supporters of the law argue that it provides essential consistency across both civil and criminal law, aimed at delivering stricter penalties for those who commit violence against pregnant women. They assert that the law does not intend to challenge existing abortion rights in Puerto Rico. In contrast, opponents raise concerns about potential repercussions for abortion access. Rosa Seguí Cordero, an attorney, criticized the measure, stating, “A zygote was given legal personality… We women were stripped of our rights.”
Critics also pointed out the process through which the amendment was approved, claiming that it lacked public hearings and adequate scrutiny. Annette Martínez Orabona, executive director of the ACLU in Puerto Rico, expressed that “the legislative leadership failed to fulfill its responsibility to the people, and so did the governor.” She warned that the move creates ambiguity regarding civil rights and the rights of women, highlighting the tensions surrounding this significant legal change.
Overall, the signing of Senate Bill 923 by Governor González represents a landmark shift in how Puerto Rico recognizes the rights of the unborn. While supporters celebrate the progression of fetal rights, opponents remain vigilant, wary of the broader implications for women’s rights and reproductive health in the territory.
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