The Shield of Life, Family and Freedom

The Isabel Institute exists to defend the non-negotiable: human dignity, the formation of citizens, and the values that underpin our society. A mission of courage, a service of love.

The Institute

Instituto Isabel is a civil society organization founded in Brasília - Brazil in 2023, by professionals with experience in public policy, advocacy, and the legal field.

We advocate before government and public authorities across all three branches — Legislative, Executive, and Judicial — with the aim of promoting and defending authentic human rights. All of our work is grounded in Natural Law, the foundation of human dignity, justice, social order, and true fundamental rights.

We live in a time when fundamental concepts are being distorted, relativized, or instrumentalized by ideological agendas. In this context, Instituto Isabel exists to restore the centrality of the truth about the human person, offering a technical, responsible, and strategic contribution to public debate.

Our mission is to defend human dignity by influencing public policy through strategic action and the production of technical content of the highest standard.

Our Causes

Defense of Life from conception to natural death

We defend human life from conception to natural death, opposing initiatives that relativize the intrinsic value of the human person, promote abortion or euthanasia, or instrumentalize life in any way.

The family as the natural nucleus of society

We recognize the family as the natural nucleus of society and the right of parents to educate, protect, and guide their children, free from undue ideological, state, or institutional interference.

Fundamental freedoms

Protection of freedom of expression and religion, and of conscientious objection – essential pillars of a truly plural, democratic, and free society.

Our Areas of Action

Strategic advocacy across the three branches of government

We monitor and formulate legislative proposals and public policies, maintaining constant dialogue with lawmakers and decision-makers. We act judicially as amicus curiae before the Federal Supreme Court (STF) and provide legal and institutional support in cases of ideological or religious persecution connected to our causes.

Education and Training

We equip public decision-makers, political leaders, and civil society through events, lectures, publications, and debates. We maintain an active presence in the media and on social networks, fostering awareness of the fundamental values of our civilization

Intelligence and Global Alliances

We develop high-level research on national and international issues, producing technical and informative content for diverse audiences. We work as a network, connecting the Isabel Institute to strategic partners around the world to strengthen our mission.

Team

Andrea Hoffmann Formiga

Co-founder of the Isabel Institute and Executive President

Andressa Bravin

Co-founder of the Isabel Institute and Director

Camila Flores

Attorney at the Isabel Institute

Thais Silva

Attorney at the Isabel Institute

Results

Bills monitored

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Technical analyses produced

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Approval, in the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) of the Chamber of Deputies, of the admissibility of the “PEC da Vida” (Right to Life Constitutional Amendment), which enshrines the protection of life from conception in the Constitution

Approval of Legislative Decree Bill No. 3/2025 in the Chamber, to suspend a resolution of the National Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents (Conanda) that allows abortion up to 9 months of pregnancy without even the parents’ knowledge

Admission of the Isabel Institute as amicus curiae before the Federal Supreme Court (STF)

Participation in more than 20 sessions and hearings in the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate
Withdrawal from consideration of a bill that sought to insert the concept of “vicarious violence” (gender-based violence) into the Statute of the Child and Adolescent
Technical work that contributed to suspending an MPDFT recommendation on legal abortion

In the Media

Women’s organization lobbies against abortion and for a ‘family agenda’ in Brasília

13-year-old girl authorized by the courts to abort a 7-month-old baby

Bolsonaro’s attorney assembles group of jurists to advance conservative agenda in Congress

Bill equating abortion with homicide draws opposing positions among organizations and experts

‘Salas Lilás’ raise renewed risk of an ‘abortion pipeline’ under the Lula government

Prosecutors change abortion recommendation after negative backlash

We do the work you always wished existed

Every action requires a team, preparation, and structure. It means top-quality technical analysis, speaking at public hearings, political engagement in Brazil, legal defense in the courts, and much more! That is why this fight has a cost.

You can be a protagonist in the defense of human dignity. Or a spectator to its destruction. We can still reverse this scenario and save lives.

Publications

NEWSLETTER

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FAQ

Why is the Institute called "Isabel"?

The name is a tribute to Princess Isabel, the Redeemer, who signed the Golden Law (Lei Áurea) in 1888, abolishing slavery in Brazil. She embodies the pillars of our Institute: the courage to defend what is right, the protection of human dignity, and personal sacrifice for the sake of a non-negotiable value: freedom. Just as Princess Isabel faced the pressures of her time to secure justice — signing the Golden Law even at the cost of her own crown — Instituto Isabel seeks to be a modern shield for life and the family, inspired by the strength and faith of the woman who changed the history of Brazil.

How can I help the Isabel Institute?

There are three main ways to strengthen our shield:
– Direct Donation: As an independent institution that accepts no public funds, your financial contribution (one-time or monthly) is what sustains our technical and legal work. BE PART
– Engagement and Outreach: Sharing our content, research, and campaigns helps break through the bubble and bring our values to more citizens. Training: By taking part in our events and courses, you become an arm of the Institute in your community, acting as an informed and conscientious citizen.
– Prayer and Moral Support: For us, the spiritual and moral support of those who share our vision is the fuel that sustains our mission of courage.

What is the Isabel Institute and what is its main mission?

The Isabel Institute is an organization dedicated to the defense of Life, Family, and Freedom. Our mission is to act as a shield for the values that uphold human dignity, forming conscientious citizens and influencing public policies that respect the pillars of our society.

Is the Institute linked to any political party or political movement?

No. We are an institutionally independent organization. Although we engage with lawmakers and decision-makers across the spectrum to advance our agenda, our commitment is to values and principles, not to party labels.

Is the Isabel Institute a religious organization?

Although our values are deeply aligned with the Judeo-Christian tradition that underpins Western civilization, the Institute operates in the civil and legal sphere. Our foundation rests on natural law, science, and fundamental rights.

Does the Isabel Institute engage in advocacy and lobbying?

Yes, which means we are present where decisions are made. For example: in the Legislative, we monitor and suggest bills; in the Executive, we propose public policies; and in the Judiciary, we act as amicus curiae (friend of the court) to provide technical input in crucial rulings before the STF and the higher courts.

How does the Institute help people who feel persecuted for their values?

We provide institutional and legal support in cases involving freedom of expression, religious freedom, and the defense of the family’s fundamental rights, ensuring that no one is silenced for defending what they believe.

How is the Isabel Institute funded?

We are a non-profit organization, maintained primarily by donations from individuals and partnerships with entities that share our vision. We do not accept public funds that could compromise our independence.

How do I follow the results of the Institute’s work?

We value transparency. We regularly publish activity reports on our social networks and through our exclusive supporter newsletter, detailing our victories in Congress, in the courts, and in the formation of society.

How can I work at the Isabel Institute?

We are always looking for talent that combines technical excellence with a commitment to our core values. If you wish to put your skills at the service of Life, Family, and Freedom, send your résumé and a brief statement about why you identify with our mission to the email: [contato@isabel.org.br]. We will keep your profile in our talent pool for future opportunities.

Get in Touch

We are always open to hearing your suggestions, questions, or partnership proposals.

INSTITUTO ISABEL 2026 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Andrea Hoffmann Formiga

A law graduate focused on public law and government relations. She has experience in organizational management, crisis management, and stakeholder relations, legislative consulting, and strategic work in Brasília, including institutional partnerships and liaison with the Higher Courts.

ANDRESSA BRAVIN

Andressa Bravin is a co-founder and director of the Isabel Institute, a political scientist who has worked for 13 years in the National Congress, with extensive hands-on experience in the Brazilian political landscape. For nearly a decade she worked as a government relations professional in the private sector, representing various sectors of society and taking part directly in the dynamics that shape decisions and public policy in the country.

CAMILA FLORES

A law graduate, with a postgraduate degree in Classical Education and a diploma in Human Rights, she works in government relations.

THAIS SILVA

A law graduate, with a postgraduate degree in Civil Law and Civil Procedure, she works in legal analysis and the drafting of constitutional actions and diffuse and collective rights.