(CPOD) Feb. 10, 2004 - Portuguese adults say a new public vote on whether to allow any woman to terminate a pregnancy is necessary, according to a poll by Eurosondagem released by Expresso and SIC. 79 per cent of respondents say they would vote to legalize abortion.

In Portugal, abortion is only allowed in cases or rape, or those involving serious health concerns to the mother and child. In a 1998 referendum, abortion remained illegal by a margin of two per cent. Only 32 per cent of eligible voters participated in that public vote.

The issue came back to the spotlight last year after seven women were put on trial for illegally terminating their pregnancies. If convicted, the women face a prison sentence of up to three years.

Prime minister Jose Manuel Durao Barroso recently stated that no consultation on abortion will take place during his current mandate, scheduled to end in 2006.

Polling Data

If there were a referendum on abortion in Portugal, how would you vote?

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