(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Fewer Portuguese adults will vote to modify existing pregnancy termination guidelines, according to a poll by Universidade Catolica released by RTP and Publico. 38 per cent of respondents would vote in favour of the proposal to ease abortion laws, down 15 points since October.

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 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.

On Jan. 21, Social Democratic Party (PSD) leader Luis Marques Mendes expressed opposition to the proposed change, saying, "Abortion is an arbitrary and unjustified act that destroys a human being. The right of a woman and her freedom of choice are terminated when the right to life of a new human being starts."

Polling Data

Would you vote in favour or against the proposal to ease abortion laws?

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