The Brazilian Parliament's passing of a law in 1871 marked a pivotal moment in the country's journey towards abolishing slavery. This law stipulated that all children born to enslaved mothers from this date forward would be granted their freedom, effectively changing the status of future generations. Additionally, the law announced the emancipation of slaves owned by the government, signaling a significant step in resistance against the prevailing institution of slavery at the time. The discussion leading to this legislative change was fueled by various factors, including abolitionist movements, changes in international perspectives on slavery, and shifting economic pressures as the country approached modernization.

Brazil was one of the last countries in the Americas to abolish slavery, a fact that some attribute to its large enslaved population, which was integral to the economy, particularly in agriculture. Emancipation movements gained momentum throughout the country in the years preceding this law, with various social movements advocating for the rights of enslaved individuals. The 1871 law, known as the 'Free Womb Law' (Lei do Ventre Livre), was seen as a compromise that could appease both abolitionists and slave owners, as it allowed for a gradual approach to liberation rather than an immediate end to enslavement.

Despite its limitations—slaves already held in bondage did not gain freedom—the law was a crucial step in a long process leading to the complete abolition of slavery in Brazil, which would ultimately come in 1888 with the signing of the Golden Law (Lei Áurea). Over time, these legislative changes contributed to reshaping Brazil's social and economic landscapes and set the stage for the subsequent struggles for civil rights and equality among Afro-Brazilians in the years to follow.