Apr 11, 2007 / 09:02 am
Brazil’s Health Minister, Jose Gomes Temporao, announced publicly this week that he supports efforts to legalize abortion in the country, even though 65% of Brazilians oppose such an idea.
In statements to the Brazilian daily “Folha de Sao Paulo,” which published the poll results, Gomes Temporao said, “From the standpoint of public health, I am now in favor of legalization.” He said he was not expressing an official government “position” because “at this time the government does not have a position on this issue.”
The poll showing that 65% of Brazilians oppose the legalization of abortion was carried out by the Datafolha firm. Currently Brazil allows abortion only in cases of rape or life of the mother.
Only 16% of respondents said the law should be broadened and 10% support abortion on demand.