Portugal abortion bill passes another hurdle

Portuguese politicians today approved a bill liberalising abortion until the 10th week in a country where more than 90% say they are Catholic.

Until now, abortion had only been allowed in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy if a woman’s health was at risk

In cases of rape, it was permitted until the 16th week, and there were no time limits if the procedure was the only way of saving a pregnant woman’s life.

The move followed a referendum last month when nearly 60% of Portuguese voted to relax the country’s tight abortion laws.

Because of poor turnout the vote was nullified, but prime minister Jose Socrates, whose Socialist government holds a parliamentary majority, vowed to take the bill to Parliament.

The bill, voted on yesterday evening, foresees a mandatory three-day reflection period before a woman can choose to terminate her pregnancy.

It passed with votes from the Socialists, the Left Bloc, and the Communist and Green parties. Right-wing Christian Democrats opposed it.

The bill is now subject to presidential ratification in the coming 20 days and becomes law only after being published, a process that could take several months.