Is abortion legal in Portugal?
Yes: abortion on request is legal up to 10 weeks and free in the SNS. Law 16/2007 allows voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG) on request up to 10 weeks, with a mandatory minimum 3-day reflection period between consultation and procedure, free in the SNS. A second doctor certifies the gestational age in writing. Conscientious objection is allowed, but can't block timely access. The limits extend in special cases: up to 12 weeks (risk to the woman's life/health); up to 16 weeks (rape, no complaint needed); up to 24 weeks (serious incurable foetal malformation); and no limit (unviable foetus or to save the woman's life). In short: yes, on request up to 10 weeks.
📋 The rules
- On request up to 10 weeks, free in the SNS
- Minimum 3-day reflection period
- Gestational age certified by a second doctor
- Conscientious objection allowed (can't block access)
- Special cases: up to 16/24 weeks or no limit
🔓 Exceptions
- Rape: up to 16 weeks, no complaint needed
- Serious foetal malformation: up to 24 weeks
- Unviable foetus or risk to the woman's life: no limit
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There's no "fine" — IVG, within the time limits and rules, is a right and is free in the SNS. Minors under 16 need the consent of their legal representative (with judicial recourse if a discerning minor objects); from 16, they consent themselves. Beware two myths: for IVG on the rape ground no police complaint is needed; and the 10-week limit was not extended to 12 or 14 — in January 2025 Parliament rejected all proposals, so the 10 weeks and the 3-day reflection period remain. Brazil's regime is much more restrictive (no on-request first-trimester right) — entirely different. To access it: book the SNS consultation within the deadline, observe the reflection period, and know that a doctor's conscientious objection can't block your timely access.
📎 Official sources
- Law 16/2007 — voluntary termination of pregnancy →
- Penal Code — art. 142 →
- SNS24 — termination of pregnancy →
❓ Frequently asked
Until when is abortion on request legal?
Abortion on the woman's request is legal up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, under Law 16/2007, and is free in the SNS. A prior consultation and a minimum 3-day reflection period before the procedure are required. In January 2025, proposals to extend the deadline were rejected, so the 10 weeks remain.
Is abortion free?
Yes. Voluntary termination of pregnancy, within the law's time limits and conditions, is free in the National Health Service. The woman is entitled to medical care and support. Professionals' conscientious objection is allowed, but can't prevent timely access to the procedure.
Is there a mandatory reflection period?
Yes. Between the initial consultation and the procedure, there's a minimum 3-day reflection period. This period is part of the legal framework for IVG on request up to 10 weeks. A second doctor certifies the gestational age in writing, to confirm it's within the legal limit.
And in cases of rape or malformation?
The limits are wider. For rape, termination is possible up to 16 weeks, with no need to file a complaint. For serious incurable foetal malformation, up to 24 weeks. If the foetus is unviable or the woman's life is at risk, there's no time limit.
Can minors have an IVG?
Minors under 16 need the consent of their legal representative; if a discerning minor objects to the decision, the matter can go to court. From age 16, the young woman consents herself. The aim is to protect the minor's autonomy and, at the same time, her health.
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