# Speaker Prabhakar criticised for joining anti-abortion rally in Chennai 2026-08-10T23:43:10+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Tamil Nadu Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar attended the ‘March for Life’ rally at Stella Maris College, Chennai, on August 8-9, 2026, an event described as ‘pro-life’ and opposing abortion. Activists have criticised the constitutional office-holder for lending his presence to a campaign they say promotes a fundamentalist stance on reproductive rights. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, legalises abortion in India under specific conditions. Author-activist Shalin Maria Lawrence told The Hindu that the Speaker’s participation sets a wrong precedent, especially when women still face stigma and unsafe abortions. The Speaker reportedly said the rally affirmed that every unborn child has dignity and a ‘God-given intention’. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: abortion rights, activists, pro-life rally, Speaker Prabhakar, Stella Maris College, Tamil Nadu Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/speaker-prabhakar-criticised-for-joining-anti-abortion-rally-in-chennai/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/speaker-prabhakar-criticised-for-joining-anti-abortion-rally-in-chennai/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.