Bebe Reborn – Foto: reprodução TV Globo
A session at Cuiabá’s City Council, Mato Grosso, turned chaotic with unexpected laughter on Wednesday, October 23, 2025. Councilwoman Katiuscia Mantelli (PSB), the first secretary, struggled to read a report on a bill prohibiting medical-hospital care for reborn dolls in public health units. The incident occurred during the deliberation of the Constitution, Justice, and Redaction Committee (CCJR), which issued an unfavorable opinion on the proposal. The session stalled as Mantelli, unable to contain her laughter, sought assistance from Council President Paula Calil (PL), and the vote was ultimately canceled due to insufficient quorum.
The bill, authored by Councilman Rafael Ranalli (PL), aims to prevent triage, registration, or any service for hyper-realistic reborn dolls in Cuiabá’s SUS facilities. Ranalli defended the proposal, citing real cases across Brazil where individuals attempted to prioritize non-human objects to bypass hospital queues. He stressed the bill’s intent to ensure public health resources remain focused on human patients.
Bill’s Scope and Proposed Penalties
The legislation outlines strict measures to preserve SUS resources. Health units violating the rule would face a warning on the first offense, followed by fines up to R$10,000 for repeat violations. Professionals involved would have their conduct reported to regulatory boards.
Ranalli clarified that the bill does not target reborn doll owners but seeks to regulate public service usage. He referenced potential referrals to Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) for individuals presenting dolls as family members, aligning with mental health protocols.
Incidents Behind the Legislation
Several incidents nationwide inspired Ranalli’s proposal. In Minas Gerais, a woman sought hospital care for a doll, claiming it had a fever, causing delays in service. Similar cases occurred in Bahia, where a Guanambi UPA dealt with an urgent care request for a reborn doll.
In São Paulo and Paraná, reports surfaced of individuals using dolls to access priority lines. Curitiba issued public warnings to curb such practices without immediate legislation.
- Reborn dolls are often used by individuals coping with emotional loss or mental health issues.
- Health workers report initial confusion when encountering hyper-realistic dolls.
- Psychologists note therapeutic potential but urge clear boundaries in public settings.
- Reborn doll prices range from R$500 to R$9,000, fueling a growing online market.
Ranalli’s Defense and Legislative Push
Ranalli introduced the bill on May 19, 2025, positioning Cuiabá as a pioneer in Mato Grosso. He argued that Brazil’s Constitution prioritizes human healthcare, justifying the measure. The proposal gained national attention for addressing misuse of public services.
During the session, Ranalli criticized colleagues for treating the issue lightly, citing state precedents. He plans to revise the bill and push for a new vote next week, addressing CCJR’s concerns.
Council Reactions and Current Status
The laughter sparked mixed reactions among council members. Some saw it as a chance to discuss SUS budget priorities, while others questioned the focus on such a niche issue. The CCJR maintained its unfavorable stance, citing the bill’s overly broad scope.
Councilwoman Michelly Alencar (União Brasil) supported related discussions on child welfare. The session’s video, available on the Council’s YouTube channel, has drawn significant online attention.
National Context and Similar Proposals
Since May 2025, 25 legislative houses across Brazil introduced similar bills. Federal Deputy Paulo Bilynskyj (PL-SP) proposed nationwide restrictions on reborn dolls in public and private healthcare. State assemblies in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are debating fines for queue-jumping with dolls.
In Salvador and Curitiba, local councils pushed for municipal bans. The trend follows viral TikTok videos, amassing millions of views. Experts estimate a 300% surge in reborn doll sales this year.
Broader Implications and Therapeutic Use
Reborn dolls serve as therapeutic tools for perinatal grief, with the World Health Organization noting two million annual stillbirths globally. Brazilian psychology associations endorse controlled use in specialized clinics but caution against public service misuse. A viral incident in Janaúba, Minas Gerais, where a doll “treatment” video hit eight million views, accelerated legislative responses. Mato Grosso health authorities monitor patient flow impacts, prioritizing SUS efficiency since the bill’s initial filing.
