PORTUGAL LEGALIZES ABORTION

LISBON, Portugal, Feb 5 (LSN)—On Wednesday the Portuguese Parliament voted 116-107 to allow abortions on demand up to the 10th week of pregnancy. Previously, the law in this predominantly Roman Catholic country permitted abortions only for strict medical reasons, including fetus malformation or perceived risk to the mother’s life.  Demonstrations by hundreds of pro-fers outside marked the tragic occasion. Under the bill, women wanting an abortion can have consultations at family planning centers and will be referred to public or private clinics if they want to go ahead with the procedure. The measure will take effect in 90 days unless it is blocked. A review of the legislation by the Constitutional Court has been proposed which may outlaw the measure. Last year a similar bill was defeated by a single vote.