PL guarantees the right to a companion for women undergoing medical procedures in Amazonas

Bill

The measure aims to be an additional instrument for protecting and inhibiting physical, emotional and psychological incidents against women

Manaus (AM) — Approved unanimously by the plenary, Bill No. 77/2023, authored by state deputy Roberto Cidade (UB), president of the Legislative Assembly of Amazonas (Aleam), guarantees women the right to a companion during medical appointments, exams and other clinical procedures in public and private health establishments in Amazonas. The measure, which aims to be an additional instrument for protecting and inhibiting physical, emotional and psychological incidents against women, is now subject to government sanction.

“Unfortunately, Brazil has recorded many cases of sexual violence committed by health professionals against hospitalized patients. Victims often prefer to remain silent rather than expose themselves, which inevitably causes more pain, in addition to which it can harm the victim’s report and, consequently, the punishment of the aggressor. Our aim is to strengthen the protection of women and inhibit this type of violence, which is physical, emotional and psychological”,

said the parliamentarian.

According to the PL, women are guaranteed the right to a companion, a person of their free choice, in consultations, exams and other procedures carried out in public and private health establishments in Amazonas. The companion must be requested by the beneficiary verbally or in writing, which must be registered by the respective sector of the health unit.

The health establishment must ensure the publicity of the right provided for in this Law, through posters posted in visible and easily accessible places, and/or means of communication. Failure to comply with this law, if committed by a public servant, may be punished according to the statute of public servants and, if by a formal employee, under the rules of consolidation of Labor Laws.

The proposal also protects hospital establishments, given that the occurrence of cases of sexual violence causes damage to the reputation of health units, damaging the credibility of large hospital institutions, their administrations and professionals.

*With information from consultancy

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