‘I want the right to go out with them’

Sao Paulo-Videot containing emotional moments with hyper-realistic children’s dolls have sparked both online fascination and political debate in Brazil, with lawmakers even bringing live dolls to the legislatures.

Influencers have organized situations such as birth simulations and walks in malls with baby -made figures, known as “reborn” dolls, creating videos that have gone viral.

In Rio de Janeiro, the City Council has approved a draft law to honor those who make live dolls, awaiting the signature of President Eduardo Paes.

Meanwhile, lawmakers elsewhere across the country have argued for a fine for those seeking medical help for such dolls, after a video allegedly showing a woman taking one in a hospital.

Lawmakers have brought the puppets to the legislative chambers.

On Tuesday, Joao Luiz, a state lawmaker from the Amazona, appeared with a puppet at the State House to announce plans to stop reborn dolls from taking care of the state’s public health system.

However, local media reported that the health authorities had never registered any such case.

Last week, Congressman Talisria Petrone criticized the attention her colleagues were giving to the matter. “Can we focus on what really matters? If someone wants to have a doll, let them have it. I have two real kids and they are more than enough work,” she said.

Dozens of “reborn mothers” gathered in Villa Lobos Park, Sao Paulo, Saturday for a 10th anniversary meeting. Participants say that criticism should aim for influencing attention, not in the wider community.

Hyper-realistic baby dolls are often used for grief therapy or parenting practice.

Berenice Maria, a nursing assistant and tall collector who owns eight dolls, says they offer emotional comfort. “I love the rebirth, despite the hatred we see there,” she said. “I want the right to go out with them … Go to the mall. Go to the park.”

Daniela Baccan, a co -owner of a reborn puppet shop in Campinas, Sao Paulo, said the puppets sell from 700 reis ($ 124) to about 10,000 Reais (nearly $ 1,800).

With the increase in controversy, security concerns are increasing.

“We’re closing the store more, adding cameras,” Baccan said. “But at the same time, online demand has grown, and the store is seeing a much higher stream of people.”