In South America, Zika Virus Raises Questions of Morality, Abortion Law

05:36

April 07, 2016

Activists march for women's rights on International Women's Day on March 8, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Marchers called for myriad reforms including expanded female reproductive rights. Women's reproductive rights have taken on a new focus in Brazil following the onset of the Zika virus outbreak, which authorities strongly suspect is linked to birth defects. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

In Latin America, where the Zika virus is becoming more prominent, pregnant women are concerned with the potential of birth defects in their children.

In countries where abortions are illegal, the issue raises questions about reproductive rights and whether laws should be adjusted in response to the health crisis.

NPR’s Lourdes Garcia-Navarro speaks to Here & Now’s Robin Young from Brazil.

Guest

Lourdes Garcia-Navarro, NPR's South America correspondent. She tweets @lourdesgnavarro.

This segment aired on April 7, 2016.