Portuguese vote to legalise abortion

Abortion is likely to be legalised in Portugal, although few people took part in a referendum on the issue, for the vote to be legally binding. The majority of those who participated are for giving women the choice to terminate pregnancies.

Only 44% of the electorate took part in the referendum, which is less than the 50% threshold required.

However, almost 60% of those who participated, did vote in favour of allowing all women the choice to terminate pregnancies within the first 10 weeks.

The Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, said the bill will go to the country's parliament and the Socialists are likely to use their majority to pass the legislation.