Child support bill stalls in Paraguay's Chamber of Deputies

A contentious bill in Paraguay that would automatically end child support obligations the day a child turns 18, without requiring any judicial process, has led to a failure to achieve quorum in an extraordinary session of the Chamber of Deputies. The proposal, which modifies the Child and Adolescent Code, has drawn significant criticism and warnings from the judiciary.

The bill's proponents, allied deputies Jatar Fernández and Hugo Meza, defended the initiative by arguing that cases requiring continued support, such as those involving chronic illness or disability, are exceptions and would be covered by other legal provisions. However, opponents, including Dalia Estigarribia, president of the Children and Adolescents Commission, presented arguments against the bill, highlighting the warnings issued during a public hearing.

Opposition deputies Johanna Ortega and Raúl Benítez strongly opposed the measure. Ortega criticized the "pro-life and pro-family" rhetoric of the ruling party, questioning its sincerity given this proposal. She argued that the bill contradicts such values by potentially leaving vulnerable children without financial support, especially when many fathers are registered as debtors in the alimentary debtors registry.

Despite the opposition's efforts to postpone the debate, a majority of deputies insisted on defending the project. When the motion to postpone failed, Ortega proposed that opposition members leave the session to deny the necessary quorum, preventing the approval of what she described as a regressive piece of legislation for the rights of children and adolescents.

“

The pro-life and pro-family discourse that they use like a monster in the elections is exposed with this proposal, pro-life of what? Of those who have a traditional family like I do and the luck I have? Pro-life and pro-family of whom? When there are a number of irresponsible fathers registered in the Food Debtors Registry.