Freedom of wombs facts for kids
Freedom of wombs (also called free birth or the law of wombs) was an important idea in the 1800s. It was used in many Latin American countries. This idea said that all children born would be free, even if their mother was enslaved. Before this, babies born to enslaved women would also become enslaved. The "Freedom of wombs" laws aimed to help end slavery. However, not all countries adopted it in the same way.
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How Countries Adopted Free Birth Laws
In the 1800s, many countries in the Americas started to fight against slavery. This was because of new ideas about freedom and rights. One of the first steps was the "Law of Freedom of Wombs."
Argentina's Freedom for Newborns
In Argentina, the Law of Wombs became official on February 2, 1813. This law was passed by a group called the Assembly of Year XIII. It said that children born to enslaved mothers after January 31, 1813, would be free. Girls would be free at age 16, and boys at age 20. When they became free, they were supposed to get land and tools to start their own lives. Argentina completely ended slavery in 1853 with its new constitution.
Colombia's Path to Freedom
In Colombia, the region of Antioquia first passed a similar law in 1814. But the whole country did not accept it until 1824. Over the years, there were many laws that only partly helped end slavery. Finally, in 1851, President José Hilario López pushed for total abolition. This meant all enslaved people became free. The government even paid the former owners.
Peru's Declaration of Free Birth
In Peru, President José de San Martín made a rule in 1821. This rule said that all children born after Peru declared its independence would be free.
Other Countries with Free Birth Laws
Many other countries in the region also adopted similar laws:
Brazil's Law of Free Birth
In Brazil, the Rio Branco Law (also called the "Law of Free Birth") was passed in 1871. By the 1870s, there was a lot of tension about slavery in Brazil. As a compromise, the government passed this law. It meant that no more children would be born into slavery. Over time, more laws were passed to free older enslaved people.
Spain's Law for Colonies
Spain passed a similar law in 1870. This law was for its colonies, Cuba and Puerto Rico, and it started in 1872. On the mainland of Spain, slavery had already ended in 1837. This law is also known as the Ley Moret.
Gradual End to Slavery
Countries that first made laws to free babies born to enslaved mothers often later ended slavery completely. Similar laws were also passed in some northern parts of the United States after the American Revolutionary War. For example, New York in 1799 and New Jersey in 1804. All enslaved people in these states were freed before the American Civil War.
See also
In Spanish: Libertad de vientres para niños
- Partus sequitur ventrem
- Rio Branco Law
