The bill sets one nationwide definition, adds 19 aggravating factors, makes the crime imprescriptible, and strips convicted killers of inheritance rights.

This article by José Shaddai Olvera Torres originally appeared in the July 15, 2026 edition of El Chamuco y los Hijos del Averno, a Mexican political satire magazine.

(July 15, 2026).- The initiative for a General Law on femicide seeks to establish a single criminal classification, standardize investigations throughout the country, and impose penalties of between 50 and 70 years in prison.

Sheinbaum holds up the signed initiative alongside government officials at the National Palace.

Photo: Presidencia

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the sending to the Congress of the Union of an initiative for a General Law on femicide with the aim of standardizing the investigation and punishment of this crime in the country’s 32 states, establishing a single definition, and strengthening the prosecution of those responsible.

During Wednesday’s morning press conference at the National Palace, the Secretary of the Interior, Luisa María Alcalde, explained that there are currently differences between state laws, deficiencies in investigation processes, an absence of mandatory protocols, and a lack of standardized public records.

A presentation slide on the single criminal classification, penalties, and aggravating factors for femicide.

Photo: Presidencia

A Single Criminal Classification for the Whole Country

The proposal establishes that the crime of femicide is committed by anyone who deprives a woman of her life for reasons of gender, and it sets ten circumstances to establish this crime.

Among them are:

  • Signs of sexual violence.
  • A crime motivated by gender stereotypes.
  • A history of violence against the victim.
  • Relations of power or subordination between the aggressor and the victim.

According to the federal government, the standardization will make it possible to reduce impunity and prevent the violent deaths of women from being classified as homicides or suicides without an investigation with a gender perspective.

Penalties of Between 50 and 70 Years

The initiative proposes penalties of 50 to 70 years in prison for those found guilty of femicide.

It also incorporates:

  • The classification of attempted femicide.
  • Nineteen aggravating factors that could increase the penalty by up to half.
  • Imprescriptibility of the crime, the penalty, and the reparation of the harm.
  • Loss of inheritance rights, parental authority, and guardianship.
  • Removal and disqualification when the perpetrator is a public servant.
  • Restriction of benefits such as amnesty or conditional release.

Aggravating Factors Contemplated

Among the aggravating factors are cases in which:

  • The victim is a girl, adolescent, or older adult.
  • She is pregnant.
  • She lives with a disability.
  • She is a journalist, human rights defender, or migrant.
  • There are acts of extreme violence, including acid attacks.
  • The perpetrator is a public servant.

Seeking to Reduce Impunity

Sheinbaum affirmed that the initiative gives continuity to the constitutional reform approved in 2024 on substantive equality and women’s rights.

The president maintained that, although femicides have decreased, the crime continues to occur and many cases remain unpunished.

A presentation slide on policies for the prevention and care of femicidal violence.

Photo: Presidencia

She added that the proposal strengthens the criteria for prosecutors’ offices, incorporates the recognition of a history of violence, gives greater value to the testimonies of families, and seeks to guarantee the continuity of investigations, as well as the training of public prosecutors.

The president noted that the initiative takes up procedures promoted by Ernestina Godoy to strengthen the investigation of femicides.

Sheinbaum Addresses the Víctor Rodríguez Padilla Case

During the press conference she was also asked about the judicial process faced by the former director of Pemex, Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, over a case of family violence.

Sheinbaum maintained that no person will receive protection because of their position or personal relationships.

The mere fact of his arrest shows that we will never protect anyone if they break the law, and even less so if there is a violation against women, if there is abuse, if there is violence against women.

The president indicated that it will be up to the Morelos State Attorney General’s Office and the judicial authority to determine the course of the proceedings and the precautionary measures in accordance with current legislation.

#MañaneraPresidenta || “El solo hecho de su detención muestra que nunca vamos a proteger a nadie si viola la ley y menos si hay violación contra la mujer, si hay abuso, si hay violencia contra las mujeres”. Al ser cuestionada sobre el proceso que enfrenta el exdirector de Pemex,… pic.twitter.com/V0fTVvQV33

— El Chamuco (@El_Chamuco) July 15, 2026

The post Sheinbaum Proposes to Standardize Femicide with Penalties of up to 70 Years appeared first on Mexico Solidarity Media.

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