On Friday, October 9, the National Assembly witnessed moments of deep emotion as deputies reached agreement on several key provisions. These were seen as long-awaited and uncontroversial, with many decisions passed unanimously. The provisions focus on health-related issues and do not require extra funding, as they are part of a draft law aimed at addressing sexual and gender-based violence against women and children.
The draft law has been under discussion in the National Assembly since October 1. It includes measures such as the criminalization of obstetric and gynecological violence, a term that refers to harmful practices by healthcare providers during childbirth or gynecological procedures. The law also proposes suspending the licenses of health professionals accused of such violence, ensuring they cannot continue practicing while investigations are ongoing.
The draft law represents significant progress in addressing a long-standing issue, reflecting the efforts of advocates and activists who have pushed for legal protections for victims. However, it has been criticized for not providing sufficient support for victims. The care pathways—steps that should be taken to assist victims—remain underdeveloped due to a lack of real resources and limited scope in the proposed measures.
While the law marks an important step forward, concerns remain about its effectiveness in practice. Advocates argue that without adequate funding and clear procedures for supporting victims, the law may not fully achieve its intended goals. The debate highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing sexual and gender-based violence through legal and policy frameworks.
National Assembly Passes Provisions on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
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