Portugal debates abortion law and conscientious objection

Portuguese Health Minister Manuel Pizarro addressed the Assembly of the Republic regarding difficulties in accessing legal abortion within the National Health Service (SNS). While asserting that conscientious objection must be respected and has not hindered service organization, Pizarro admitted the matter warrants reflection. He noted that some professionals may practice "case-by-case" objection, where their refusal depends on specific circumstances, such as whether a pregnancy resulted from a violation.

Simultaneously, the National Council of Ethics and Deontology of the Medical Association (CNEDM) issued an opinion regarding a legislative proposal to extend the legal limit for abortion by woman's exclusive decision from 10 to 12 weeks. The Council generally supports maintaining the current law but suggests two changes: removing the requirement for two doctors to participate in the process and limiting conscientious objection strictly to the procedure itself, rather than to pre- or post-operative medical assistance.

The Council also expressed opposition to a current regulation that prohibits objecting doctors from participating in preliminary consultations, arguing that such a rule makes a judgment on the impartiality of objecting physicians.