Puerto Rico Enacts Law Recognizing Unborn Children as ‘Natural Persons’ From Moment of Conception

Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has signed legislation formally recognizing unborn children as “natural persons” from the moment of conception, amending the territory’s Civil Code in a move that has drawn national attention from pro-life organizations, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Catholic Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González signed a pro-life bill into law during the Christmas season, formally recognizing preborn children as persons.

Info: Republica pic.twitter.com/vnM7p9NS13

— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) December 27, 2025

The measure, known as Senate Bill 504, or PS 504, was signed into law in late December. The legislation updates Puerto Rico’s Civil Code to establish legal recognition of unborn children for civil purposes, including matters such as inheritance rights.

The law does not change existing abortion statutes in Puerto Rico and does not create new criminal penalties related to abortion.

BREAKING: Puerto Rico defines unborn children as legal persons

The House of Reps passed this by 40 votes to 12. Just in time for Christmas

People assuming Puerto Rico would be a left-leaning Democrat state are making a pretty big assumption

Puerto Rico is pro-life!! pic.twitter.com/J2QjEDX5AB

— Dr. Calum Miller (@DrCalumMiller) December 25, 2025

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According to the text of the legislation, the recognition of personhood applies specifically within the civil law framework.

Lawmakers supporting the bill said it was intended to clarify legal standing in civil matters rather than alter criminal law or medical regulations.

Pro-life organizations described the law as a significant step within U.S. jurisdictions. Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life, commented publicly following the signing.

“National Right to Life celebrates this landmark achievement for the pro-life movement. Puerto Rico’s clear and courageous recognition of preborn babies as persons reflects a deep respect for life and provides a powerful example for lawmakers throughout the United States. Legal personhood for the preborn is not only consistent with science and human dignity but is the foundation upon which a culture of life can flourish,” Tobias told Life News.

Tobias also addressed the broader implications of the legislation, saying, “Puerto Rico’s action stands as a compelling reaffirmation that the protection of human life at all stages is a fundamental civil right. This measure underscores the essential truth that every human being—born and unborn—deserves equal protection under the law.”

The legislation aligns Puerto Rico’s Civil Code with language recognizing life as beginning at conception for specific legal purposes. Supporters argue the change reflects biological definitions of when human life begins, while critics have emphasized that the measure stops short of addressing abortion policy directly.

Life News characterized the legislation as one of the strongest affirmations of preborn personhood within U.S. jurisdictions.

“This historic legal recognition marks one of the strongest pro-life affirmations within U.S. jurisdictions. By explicitly acknowledging the inherent dignity and personhood of the preborn, Puerto Rico has taken a principled and scientifically grounded step to align its civil law with the biological reality that human life begins at fertilization,” the outlet reported.

While the law does not include provisions restricting abortion, some pro-life groups say it could serve as a foundation for future legislative efforts.

Advocates argue that codifying personhood language in civil law establishes a framework that could influence later debates on life-related policies.

Puerto Rico’s action comes amid continued national debate over abortion policy following recent changes to federal and state laws across the United States.

Several states have enacted measures expanding abortion access, while others have moved to strengthen restrictions or redefine legal protections for unborn children.

Officials in Puerto Rico have not announced additional legislation related to abortion following the signing of Senate Bill 504. For now, the law stands as a civil code amendment recognizing unborn children as legal persons for limited purposes under territorial law.

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