(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - A proposal to allow pregnancy termination in Portugal could be ratified by the country's citizens next month, according to a poll by Aximage published in Correio da Manha. 61 per cent of respondents agree with the decriminalization of 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. 56.8 per cent of respondents say they will take part in this year's plebiscite.

The Socialist Party (PS) won the February 2005 parliamentary ballot in the European nation, garnering 45.3 per cent of the vote and electing 121 lawmakers to the 230-seat Assembly of the Republic. Socialist leader Jose Socrates took over as prime minister in March.

The plebiscite is scheduled for Feb. 11. The actual referendum question reads: "Do you agree that abortions, carried out in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, with the woman's consent, in a legal medical establishment, should no longer be illegal?"

In October 2006, Socrates said the change in the law seeks to "bring an end to the persecution of women" and "the prevalence of back-alley abortions." The Social Democratic Centre / Popular Party (CDS/PP) opposes the proposed change, while the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) suggests amending the law through the legislative branch.

Portuguese bishop Antonio Marto expressed dismay at the proposal, saying, "The threat to peace is not just in armed conflicts and in terrorism; it is also, subtly but no less cutting, in the silent deaths brought about by hunger, abortion, embryo experimentation and euthanasia."

Polling Data

Do you agree with the decriminalization of voluntary termination of pregnancy if it takes place, at the woman's request, within the first ten weeks of pregnancy in a legally authorized medical facility?

Will you vote on the referendum on abortion?

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