A Catholic Church-led awareness programme and march opposing abortion was held at a private college in Chennai, drawing attention after Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker Prabhakar attended as a special guest.
Participants raised slogans such as “abortion is murder” and “there is no right to terminate a foetus.” During his address, the Speaker echoed anti-abortion views, stating that life begins from the moment a foetus is formed and describing every child as “a gift from God.”
The Speaker’s participation has sparked criticism that a person holding a high constitutional office should not publicly endorse religiously framed messaging that is seen as opposing women’s bodily autonomy and legal rights. The issue has also revived earlier controversy over his use of Bible quotations in the Assembly.
Activists have pointed out that India’s 1971 law provides a legal framework for abortion, and that the Supreme Court has also recognised abortion rights. They have questioned whether it was appropriate for the Speaker to take part in a campaign perceived as running counter to the law and women’s rights, and have sought clarity on whether the government will respond.
