House passes controversial fetus bill, revises coastal zone protections

Puerto Rican Independence Party Rep. Adriana Gutiérrez Colón opposed Senate Bill 923, a measure that amends Puerto Rico’s Penal Code to recognize a fetus at any stage of gestation as a human being for specific homicide‑related provisions, warning that similar laws in U.S. states have led to more than 400 criminal prosecutions of pregnant women for miscarriages or substance use during pregnancy.

By THE STAR STAFF

The island House of Representatives has approved Senate Bill 923, a measure that amends Puerto Rico’s Penal Code to recognize a fetus at any stage of gestation as a human being for specific homicide‑related provisions.

The bill passed with 33 votes in favor, backed largely by members of the New Progressive Party (NPP) on Tuesday. House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Núñez said the measure aims to address cases involving the killing of a pregnant woman, asserting that the change “has nothing to do with abortion.”

“This is about the murder of a woman who has in her womb a human being that is properly conceived and developing,” Méndez Núñez said, adding that the legislation aligns the Penal Code with provisions in the 2025 Keyshla Madlane Law and Law 183‑2025.

Minority lawmakers criticized the bill’s expedited procedure, which bypassed the typical committee process. Méndez Núñez defended the move as part of the administration’s mandate following the 2024 general elections.

Rep. Adriana Gutiérrez Colón of the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) opposed the measure, warning that similar laws in U.S. states have led to more than 400 criminal prosecutions of pregnant women for miscarriages or substance use during pregnancy. She stressed that abortion remains legal in Puerto Rico under the Puerto Rico Supreme Court’s ruling in Pueblo v. Duarte, which affirmed the practice to protect a pregnant person’s life and health.

Her position was challenged by Dignity Project spokesperson Rep. Lisie Burgos Muñiz, who argued that the only valid medical exception for ending a pregnancy is “to save the mother’s life.” Burgos Muñiz dismissed concerns from doctors who feared legal exposure during therapeutic abortions, saying criminal liability would apply only to voluntary terminations performed “deliberately to cause the baby’s death.”

Rep. Estrella Martínez Soto of the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) also denounced the bill, saying its language “criminalizes women” and raises questions about how it would apply in cases of natural miscarriage.

“You’re no longer a patient,” she said. “You’re going to be categorized as a suspect in a murder.”

Despite the PDP caucus’ official opposition, three of its members -- Reps. Reinaldo Figueroa Acevedo, Roberto Rivera Ruiz de Porras and Sol Higgins Cuadrado — voted in favor. PDP Reps. Gretchen Hau Irizarry and Edgardo Feliciano Sánchez abstained. The bill drew 10 votes against, including from NPP Reps. José “Che” Pérez Cordero and Roberto López Román.

House also approves coastal zoning update

In a separate action, lawmakers approved House Bill 25, which revises the definition of Puerto Rico’s maritime‑terrestrial zone. The bill, which passed 29-0, bases the boundary on a 19‑year tidal cycle and typical weather conditions, excluding storm‑driven surges. PIP legislators rejected the measure, arguing it ignores climate realities and favors private development interests.

The bill designates the maritime‑terrestrial zone as public domain and cites data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish tide lines. It also clarifies that the law cannot restrict traditional public access to beaches.

Roads named after Daddy Yankee, Carlos Beltrán

The House unanimously approved two resolutions honoring prominent Puerto Rican figures. One names San Juan’s PR‑36 as “Daddy Yankee” in recognition of the artist’s global impact on reggaeton. The other designates a stretch of PR‑670 in Manatí as “Carlos Iván Beltrán Avenue” following the former Major League Baseball star’s election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Legislature highlights cervical cancer awareness

In a special session, lawmakers honored the organization Las Voces de Rhaiza Vélez Plumey during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The group promotes HPV vaccination and early detection, including Pap smears and HPV testing.

Myra Plumey, mother of Rhaiza Vélez, thanked legislators for supporting prevention efforts, noting that while vaccination has helped certain age groups, overall cancer incidence rates on the island remain unchanged.

“I am honored to continue carrying Rhaiza’s voice,” Plumey said.