"We have a maximum period of 10 weeks, which will place us among the countries with the most restrictive rules, along with Slovenia, for example, while most other European countries set limits of 12, 14, or more [weeks]," SPDC president Amália Pacheco told Lusa on the occasion of World Safe Abortion Day.

For the gynaecologist, this situation reveals "the urgent need" to review Portuguese legislation at this time, aligning it with "all scientific evidence," the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), and the commitments made at the European level.

"Despite the progress we have made, achieved with Law No. 16 of 2007 [which establishes the rules for voluntary termination of pregnancy in Portugal], limitations still persist, placing our country in 17th place in the European ranking of abortion access policies," she noted.

Amália Pacheco said that at the SPDC meeting, taking place in Aveiro, experts will debate and reflect on "the best way to increase the gestational limit for voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG) by the woman's choice, at least to 12 weeks."

She also warned against eliminating the mandatory reflection period, which can delay access and negatively impact women's physical and psychological health, and simplifying clinical processes.

"It's an embarrassment and often causes women to arrive at a late stage because they are required to have a reflection period," she said, emphasizing that "women have their autonomy."

Amália Pacheco emphasized the importance of World Safe Abortion Day as a reminder that "universal access to sexual and reproductive health care, including voluntary termination of pregnancy, is a fundamental right and an essential condition for dignity and autonomy in health."

The most recent data, released by the Health Regulatory Authority (ERS), indicate an increase in the number of abortions performed by women's choice, totalling 17,807 in 2024, a 5.5% increase compared to 2023 and a 13% increase compared to 2022.

Contraception

Citing the latest study on contraceptive practices, Amália Pacheco said that most women in Portugal use contraception, especially combined hormonal contraception, but all other contraceptive methods are also increasing.

"But some things need to change and improve," she said, highlighting the need to increase health literacy, promote well-being, and always maintain the commitment to promoting health and education for safe and informed contraceptive choices.

"The country is changing, and we have a population that doesn't have easy access to health care, doesn't have family doctors, especially the migrant population, who have more difficulties and, therefore, don't have as direct access to health care," she emphasised.

Amália Pacheco also highlighted the need to maintain sex education in schools: "It's our important role in education and health promotion, and also in raising awareness about sexually transmitted infections."