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Tuesday, 10 April 2007, 12:32 GMT 13:32 UK

Portuguese abortion law in force

Pro-choice campaign billboards Portugal's president has ratified a new law allowing abortion up until the 10th week of pregnancy, his office has said in a statement.

This brings the country into line with most of its European neighbours.

But President Anibal Cavaco Silva recommended that Parliament take further measures to ensure abortions are a last resort.

The country's parliament passed a law to legalise abortion on demand last month following a national referendum.

The vote failed to settle the issue in the mainly Roman Catholic country.

Last month 60% of voters backed the measure in a referendum, but the result was voided because of a low turnout.

Until the law change, abortions were allowed only in cases of rape or of a health risk to the mother.

Abortion is now banned in the EU only in Ireland, Malta and Poland.



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Related to this story:
Portuguese MPs vote for abortion (09 Mar 07 |  Europe )
Analysis: Portugal's abortion rethink (12 Feb 07 |  Europe )
Portugal will legalise abortion (12 Feb 07 |  Europe )
Portugal's path to legal abortions (12 Feb 07 |  Europe )
Portugal abortion law put to test (29 Jan 07 |  Europe )
Portuguese to hold abortion vote (19 Oct 06 |  Europe )

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