Ludford supports Portugal abortion legalisation

11.09.03am GMT Wed 7th Feb 2007

Sarah in the European Parliament

This Sunday (11th February) voters in Portugal will decide whether abortions should be legalised if carried out before 10 weeks of pregnancy in authorised clinics. Currently abortions are only legal in Portugal in cases of rape, foetal abnormality or if a woman's life is in danger.

London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford, who signed an open letter of support to a 'yes' vote in the Portuguese referendum, today said:

"This is not a matter of EU competence, but a matter for Portuguese voters. However, it is legitimate for a fellow EU citizen to urge them to consider that in a civilised 21st century Europe which values human rights, it is unacceptable that over 10,000 women a year are hospitalised in Portugal because of the need to resort to secret backstreet abortions. On top of that they face potential criminal charges, including jail sentences of up to three years."

"Legalisation under reasonable conditions would not only save Portuguese women's lives, but also allow them the dignity of control over their own bodies."

"The criminalisation of abortion obstructs an open and comprehensive debate on sexual and reproductive health and family planning. Good sex education, safe sex and taking responsibility for contraception should all reduce the need to seek an abortion, but it must be available legally and safely as a last resort."

Notes

Portugal has one of the most restrictive legislative frameworks on abortion in Europe, under which women found guilty of illegally terminating a pregnancy can be incarcerated for up to three years, and doctors performing the operation can be sent to prison for up to eight years.

More than 50% of registered voters must cast their ballots for the referendum on 11th February to be valid. A referendum on the issue was ruled invalid in 1998 because of a low turnout. Turnout will be key again this year as the Catholic Church is calling for undecided voters not to vote.

For more information see www.epwg.org