The Attorney General of Brazil, Paulo Gonet, has approached the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to restore a resolution from the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) that banned the procedure of fetal asystole for abortions performed after 22 weeks of gestation due to cases of rape. Fetal asystole involves inducing cardiac arrest in the fetus prior to a legal abortion to prevent the newborn from being born alive. This procedure has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in certain advanced pregnancy scenarios. The legal move comes in the light of the ongoing discussions surrounding reproductive rights and medical practices in Brazil.

The CFM's resolution was suspended by STF Minister Alexandre de Moraes in 2024, pending the judgment of the Fundamental Precept Compliance Action (ADPF) 1141. The Attorney General's opinion submitted to the court reflects an understanding that it is the responsibility of the CFM to navigate medical ethical dilemmas, emphasizing that the council's resolution does not appear arbitrary. The implications of reinstating this resolution could have profound effects on access to abortion services in Brazil, especially for victims of sexual violence, further highlighting the intersection of health care, ethics, and women's rights.

By challenging the suspension of the CFM's resolution, the PGR's request underscores a significant legal and societal debate in Brazil regarding the boundaries of medical interventions in the context of abortion. This case not only touches on the ethical considerations of medical practice but also points to broader conversations about women's rights, healthcare access, and the role of government in personal health decisions, indicating an ongoing struggle against restrictive reproductive health policies in the country.