The article analyses the debate on abortion at the Chamber of Deputies during President Lula's first and second terms (2003-2006; 2007-2010), considering pro-life and pro-choice positions. It examines discourses and law propositions and the result is a diversified picture. There are alliances between feminists and clergy, and religious politicians opposing their institutions' guidelines. The focus will be on the right to life in contrast to claims of women's autonomy. Besides Catholic Church interference, Evangelical politicians come as main actors organized within the Evangelical Parliamentary Group. The defense of a Laic State is an argument used by both sides to guarantee plurality of stances in public space.
abortion; legislative debate; religion; National Congress (Brazil); anthropology