Portuguese abortion referendum, 1998

On 8 June 1998 a referendum was held in Portugal, in the Portuguese population could decide on the legalization of voluntary abortion. The population chose a very narrow majority ( 50.07 per cent) against the proposal.

Background

Given that Portugal had at that time one of the strictest abortion laws throughout Europe, the number of illegal abortions increased - particularly in border regions to Spain - constantly. For this reason the Portuguese Communist Party ( PCP) República brought the bill in the Assembleia da one to legalize voluntary termination of pregnancy up to the tenth week. Though Parliament passed a resolution, but the leaders of the two largest parties PS and PSD agreed to hold a referendum on this issue.

The referendum was the first of its kind in the Portuguese history.

Referendum

Question

" Concorda com a despenalização because interrupção voluntária because gravidez, se realizada, por opção because mulher, nas primeiras 10 semanas, em estabelecimento de saúde legalmente autorizado? "

" Do you agree with the decriminalization of abortion within the first ten weeks, if it takes place at the request of the mother and in a legally authorized health institution? "

Although the submission of the PCP, the PEV and the majority of PS was supported, represented the then Prime Minister António Guterres opposite position because he saw himself as a strict Catholic. For this reason, the Partido Socialista no choice recommendation issued officially, as it did the liberal-conservative PSD, the largest opposition party. On the other hand, especially the Catholic Church and the right-wing CDS -PP spoke against it.

Result

Ultimately agreed expresses a slight majority ( 50.07 percent ) of the population against the proposed law, 48.28 percent of voters voted in favor. However, the turnout was only at 31.89 percent, ie It was attended by 2.7 million of the 8.49 million registered voters.

According to the Portuguese Constitution, the vote of the electorate was not binding because the turnout was below 50 percent. But also because of the negative decision, the ruling Partido Socialista no changes in the Portuguese Penal Code decided under António Guterres time being made.

2007 was once again held a referendum with the same question, the people voted for a majority, so that nowadays abortions can be made with impunity.