Women seeking an abortion in Portugal will have to pay for the procedure and attend mandatory prior counselling under legal changes approved by Parliament.
In a stormy final session before the summer recess late Wednesday, lawmakers in the center-right government coalition used their majority to amend the 2007 law that granted abortion on demand up to the 10th week of pregnancy.
Left-of-center parties fought the alterations, claiming they were aimed at discouraging abortions in the mostly Roman Catholic country. Their supporters shouted "disgrace" from the public gallery before being removed by police.
Since 2007, abortions have been available free at public hospitals or licenced private clinics. In future, women can be charged up to 50 euros (USD 55).
The legislation still needs the president's approval and publication in the government gazette.
