13 Years Later: Dialogues on Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy in Portugal

Abstract

Law 16/2007 represented a milestone in the quest for sexual and reproductive rights of Portuguese citizens, instituting the possibility of excluding all illegality for voluntary termination of pregnancy, performed until the 10th week, at the request of the women involved. Using a descriptive-analytical research, the objective was to establish the opinion of citizens and researchers (active in the cause), in the course of this process and the transformations that resulted from it, with emphasis on the current context. Between March and September, 12 interviews were conducted, divided into two stages. When the Discourse Analysis techniques were analyzed, there were some weak points, such as the uncertainty about access, the presence of judgments and the limitations interposed by the conscientious objectors, which reflect the need to expand the allowed gestational period for termination. There was recognition of security in procedures, women’s freedom in their choices, greater openness to dialogue, a fact that contributed jointly with the strengthening of family planning. In addition to these constructions, new demands were configured.

Key words:
Voluntary termination of pregnancy; Portugal; Health; Society; Speech analysis