The President of the Republic of Portugal Aníbal Cavaco Silva has called a referendum on the voluntary interruption of pregnancy for 11 February 2007, considering that “the issue is the object of current debate in Portuguese society, despite the fact that a referendum on the matter was already held in 1998”. Indeed, the problem has never ceased to be at the centre of political discussion and of the interest of the media in Portugal. Therefore, in the view of the President, “the ethical implications that derive from the question fully justify a new consultation of the people”. Cavaco Silva expresses the hope that the ensuing debate will take place “in a serene and dignified way”, adding that the date chosen by him (11 February 2007) intends to permit all the political forces and civil society to have the necessary time to get organized. The question to be posed in the referendum will be the following: “Do you agree with the de-penalization of the voluntary interruption of pregnancy, if performed, by decision of the woman, in the first 10 weeks, in a legally authorized institute of health?”.
