The Portuguese approve the legalisation of abortion.

Portuguese voters have pronounced themselves 59.25% in favour of the legalisation of ToP (Termination of Pregnancy). But because of too low a turn-out, (43.61 %), the law has yet to be approved by Parliament in order to be applied. The daily's Chief Editor urges the socialist government to swiftly present the law to Parliament. "A little over eight years ago, the victory of the 'no' vote in the previous referendum did not allow legislators to modify the law. But today nothing should stop Members of Parliament from concretising the choice expressed by this vote, even if, as in 1998, the referendum is not binding. Over 50% of voters chose not to speak out. That is their perfectly legitimate right. ... If there is a signal that must be respected, it is that which represents the majority among the citizens who chose to speak out. And this signal is 'yes' [to ToP]."

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