Healthcare
President signs law on pregnancy rights that removes the term 'obstetric violence'
The President has signed legislation previously approved by Parliament that strengthens patient rights during pregnancy and childbirth. The new law replaces the term "obstetric violence" with "inappropriate, disrespectful, or non-consensual practices," and mandates that medical procedures must be based on clinical evidence and informed consent. It also establishes a new National Council for the Protection of Pregnancy and Perinatal Care and allows for clinical audits if standards are repeatedly breached.
Why it mattersIf you are pregnant or planning to give birth in Portugal, this law explicitly reinforces your right to informed consent and defines the standards of care you are entitled to expect from healthcare providers.
