Voters in Portugal Support Overturning their Strict Abortion Ban
February 12, 2007
On Sunday, Portugal held a national referendum to legalize abortion up to the 10th week of pregnancy. While 59.3 percent of voters backed the measure, only about 44 percent of the electorate voted, short of the 50 percent turnout needed to amend Portugese law.
Following the lead of the voters, Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates has pledged to legalize abortion in Portugal.
Portugal currently has one of the most rigid abortion laws in Europe, with the procedure banned except in cases of rape, fetal malformation, or if a woman’s life or health is at risk.