Healthcare
What changes in rights during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period with the change in the law
New legislation published on August 24 reinforces protection against inappropriate or non-consensual clinical practices during pregnancy and childbirth. It mandates that all medical/nursing acts must be recorded with clinical justification, requires informed consent for procedures, and guarantees women access to their records and the right to information after delivery. Health facilities are now required to provide satisfaction surveys, and authorities must incorporate education on these rights into sexual education and medical training.
Why it mattersIf you are pregnant or planning to give birth in Portugal, this law provides you with new legal safeguards, including the right to give informed consent for all procedures, receive clear explanations for any medical intervention, and have every clinical act documented in your file.
