” “It did not achieve the quorum, but the referendum for decriminalizing abortion in Portugal was won by those in favour of abortion. In spite of that, and of the words spoken by Premier Jose Socrates, "the result of the referendum is unequivocal", and "abortion will no longer be a crime in Portugal", according to Pedro Vaz Patto, magistrate, representative of the Justice and Peace Committee, "a light of hope also kindled". In a note, appearing tomorrow at SIR Europe (old.agensir.it), Vaz Patto says that "The people’s mobilization for ‘no’ is unique in the recent history of Portugal. All the work linked with the campaign allowed many people to listen to a principle about which the media usually keep silent: human life is a wonderful gift, apart from all difficulties. Therefore, the culture of life became stronger". In fact, nobody "will be able to stop the work we undertook to shape consciences", even though "it is a difficult work, because a law making abortion a right is definitely an obstacle for shaping consciences". "Now, concrete solidarity for pregnant women will also be strengthened, at the life help centres. These people who mobilized were definitely a minority". They "know that a new stage began, a harder stage, but not less stimulating". ” “
