The Portuguese referendum to legalize abortion for any reason in the first ten weeks of pregnancy failed, because less than 50% of registered voters participate in the referendum. However because the voters who did turn out voted almost 60-40 to pass the law, the prime minister said he would pursue legislative means to get the law enacted.
Top News- Portugal Fails to Overturn Abortion Law - AOL News
Debate over the abortion law, one of the most restrictive in the European Union , pitted the Socialist government against conservative parties and the Catholic Church, which claims more than 90 percent of Portuguese as followers.
Under current law, the procedure is allowed only in cases of rape, fetal malformation or if a mother's health is in danger, and only in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
In most other EU nations, abortion is permitted within much broader limits. Women can ask for abortions up to the 24th week of pregnancy in Britain and up to the 12th week in Germany, France and Italy.
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