” “The President of the Republic of Portugal, Aníbal Cavaco Silva, has convened the referendum on abortion for 11th February 2007, thinking "the topic is currently being discussed by the Portuguese society, despite a referendum was held already in 1998". In fact the problem has never stopped being hot on the political agenda and in the media, so, according to the President, "the ethical implications of the topic fully justify a new referendum". Cavaco Silva wishes the ensuing debate will take place "in a calm, dignified way", adding that the date he chose (11th February 2007) will enable all the political groups and society to have time to get organised and reflect on all the ethical and social implications.” “The question will be: "Do you agree on the decriminalisation of abortion if made, on the woman’s volition, in the first 10 weeks in a legally-authorised health-care facility?".” “
