Puerto Rico Shocks: Unborn Declared Human

Puerto Rico just declared unborn children human beings from conception—without banning abortion—igniting a legal firestorm that could reshape protections for the vulnerable.

Story Snapshot

Governor Jenniffer González signed Law 183-2025 on December 21, 2025, recognizing the conceived child as a natural person in penal and civil codes.
Law stems from 2021 murder of pregnant Keishla Rodríguez, closing gaps in fetal victim protections.
First U.S. territory to grant fetal personhood without abortion restrictions, sparking debate on rights and medicine.
Abortion remains legal; law targets violence against pregnant women, allows heir designation for unborn.
Pro-life victory hailed, but doctors warn of defensive care and criminalization risks.

The Triggering Crime That Demanded Change

Félix Verdejo murdered pregnant Keishla Rodríguez in April 2021, injecting her with heroin and dumping her body. Prosecutors convicted him of first-degree murder for her death but struggled with fetal victim charges due to penal code gaps. Rodríguez’s family pushed for reform. Senate Bills 923 and 504 emerged, amending homicide laws to classify fetal death from violence against pregnant women as first-degree murder. This tragedy exposed inconsistencies between civil and penal codes.

Governor González Seals Historic Legislation

Governor Jenniffer González, a Republican Catholic, signed Law 183-2025 on December 21, 2025. The law defines the “conceived child at any stage of gestation” as a natural person for civil and criminal purposes. It aligns with 2020 Civil Code reforms centering law on natural persons, including the nasciturus. González emphasized consistency in protecting pregnant women and their unborn. The measure passed legislature swiftly post-Rodríguez case.

Legal Reach Extends to Inheritance and Beyond

Mothers now designate unborn children as heirs, contingent on live birth. Fetal personhood applies “for all purposes able to him or her.” Puerto Rico built on 29 U.S. states’ fetal homicide laws but uniquely extends to civil realms without gestational abortion limits. Abortion stays legal to preserve maternal health. Lawmakers clarified it preserves women’s pregnancy decision-making authority. This sets Puerto Rico apart post-Dobbs.

Pro-Life Triumph Meets Fierce Medical Backlash

National Right to Life President Carol Tobias called it a “landmark” example for U.S. lawmakers. Father Pérez Toro, 2020 Civil Code contributor, praised maternal tools to defend unborn children. Dr. Carlos Díaz Vélez, Puerto Rico College of Medical Surgeons president, opposes it. He predicts “defensive health care,” doctor hesitancy in treatments, and criminalization of complex pregnancies. Critics fear eroded reproductive privacy despite assurances.

NEW: Puerto Rico governor signs law recognizing unborn babies as human beings — Fox News

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) February 13, 2026

Common sense aligns with supporters: justice for double victims in crimes demands equal legal standing. Facts show no abortion changes yet; fears seem speculative against clear victim protections. Courts will test ambiguities, but bolstering penalties for violence upholds conservative values of life and accountability. Early 2026 reports confirm no challenges; implementation proceeds.