Portuguese Constitutional Court Rules In Favor Of National Referendum On Decriminalizing Abortion

The Portuguese Constitutional Court on Wednesday ruled 7-6 in favor of allowing a national referendum aimed at decriminalizing abortion in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, Reuters reports (Reuters, 11/15). The Portuguese Parliament last month approved a government proposal to hold the referendum early next year. Abortion is illegal in Portugal except when necessary to protect the life or health of a woman or if a woman becomes pregnant as a result of rape (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 10/23). Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva within 20 days of the court's ruling must decide whether to hold the referendum (Reuters, 11/15). If Cavaco Silva approves the referendum, it will be held between 40 days and 180 days after his approval (AFP/Yahoo! News, 11/15). If the referendum is approved, voters will be asked: "Do you agree with the decriminalization of the voluntary interruption of pregnancy, in the first 10 weeks, in a legally authorized health establishment?" According to lawmaker Pedro Mota Soares, the Christian Democrats will be the only party advocating against the legalization of abortion. Prime Minister Jose Socrates said the Socialist party will actively campaign in favor of changing the abortion laws if the referendum is held. Officials say that about 10,000 women annually in Portugal are treated at hospitals for complications caused by illegal abortions (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 10/23). A survey conducted last month found that 63% of Portuguese residents are in favor of changing the country's abortion law (Reuters, 11/15).

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