Published Aug 10, 2026 | 5:54 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 10, 2026 | 5:54 PM
Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar.
Synopsis: Tamil Nadu Speaker JCD Prabhakar has invited criticism through his participation in an anti-abortion rally conducted by a Christian religious organisation in Chennai. Activists pointed out that being an elected constitutional authority, the Speaker should not have publicly endorsed a religious campaign seeking to restrict abortion rights.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar’s participation in the 5th National March for Life India in Chennai has triggered criticism, with many questioning whether a constitutional functionary should endorse the anti-abortion position advocated by a religious gathering.
The two-day event, held on August 8 and 9, was hosted by the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore and organised by CHARIS India.
The organisers described it as one of India’s largest pro-life gatherings. The rally on August 9 saw the participation of Catholic bishops, priests, religious sisters, families, youth and public figures.
Prabhakar flagged off the rally and later spoke to a private television channel, expressing support for the movement.
Speaking after inaugurating the march, Prabhakar said he was “proud” to participate in the Catholic community’s procession.
“We have no right to abortion,” he said.
The Speaker said the participation from across Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country reflected growing support for the cause.
Calling the issue a global challenge, he said governments around the world have taken differing positions on abortion but maintained that the Christian community strongly believes abortion should never occur.
“Every child is a gift of God, and that gift must be cherished by every woman and every family. This pro-life movement is working towards achieving that objective,” he said.
When asked whether the Tamil Nadu government could take more steps to promote pro-life policies, Prabhakar said the matter should be brought to the attention of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
“He has innovative ideas. He understands issues well and keeps information at his fingertips. If this is brought to his notice, he will definitely take steps on this,” Prabhakar said.
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The Speaker’s participation has drawn criticism from several corners, including activists who pointed out that an elected constitutional authority should not publicly endorse a religious campaign seeking to restrict abortion rights.
Senior journalist R.K. Radhakrishnan described the event as “one of the most regressive incidents Tamil Nadu has witnessed in recent history.”
“Decision over women’s bodies should be made by them; not by Christian priests,” he wrote on social media.
Others questioned whether politicians should support positions rooted in religious doctrine.
One social media user wrote that abortion is “a matter of personal autonomy and individual choice” and should be decided by the woman in consultation with medical professionals, not by politicians or religious authorities.
The post further argued that imposing religious beliefs on women’s reproductive choices amounts to unacceptable interference with bodily autonomy.
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Prabhakar’s remarks have reignited debate over the role of elected representatives at religious events, particularly when they express views on issues such as abortion that remain the subject of ethical, medical and legal debate.
While organisers presented the march as a campaign to protect unborn life, critics argued that public endorsement of an absolute anti-abortion position by the Speaker raises broader questions about the relationship between constitutional office, personal religious belief and women’s reproductive rights.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
