Brazil enacts new laws for women's health and patient rights

Brazil has enacted new legislation aimed at strengthening healthcare rights and preventive measures. Law No. 15.493 mandates that all women have the right to a complete medical evaluation through the Unified Health System (SUS) at least once a year. This includes access to routine exams and screenings tailored to individual needs, such as age, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity, with a focus on conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Additionally, Law No. 15.378/2026 establishes the Patient Rights Statute. This federal law applies to both public and private health services, as well as health insurance providers. It formalizes concepts such as patient autonomy, informed consent, and advance directives. The statute shifts medical civil liability by establishing the duty to inform as an autonomous legal obligation, ensuring that patient self-determination is a codified subjective right rather than just an ethical guideline.