Emergency rooms for pregnant women in Setúbal assured to stay open continually from 2026 by IL.
Lighting Up Pregnancy Care in Portugal's Shadows
In a gutsy Mother's Day speech in Setúbal, Rui Rocha addressed the troubling reality facing many Portuguese mothers-to-be: a struggle to access essential prenatal care.
"It's a bloody shame," Rui roared over lunch, "that in 2025, expectant mothers in Portugal are still struggling to secure simple medical necessities, like ultrasounds, in the Setúbal region and elsewhere."
The IL leader sheds light on the grim reality common across Portugal: emergency obstetrics and gynecology services are frequently unavailable, forcing women to travel long distances and sometimes even give birth in hospital hallways. These heart-wrenching situations, Rui argues, are unacceptable in a nation yearning to flourish and boast joyful mothers.
To address this crisis, Rui pledges that IL will ensure an emergency door remains open for pregnant women in Setúbal from 2026 onward. He makes it clear that this commitment is no empty promise but a bold political move to reallocate resources, streamline emergency services, and consolidate response capacity.
Apart from the struggle for healthcare, Rui Rocha also highlighted the frustrating delays in expanding parental leave. Two key parties, PS and the AD coalition, have been accused of dragging their feet on the issue, preventing its progression in parliament. Rui expressed frustration over the mismanaging of funds that could be advantageous for families, ultimately leading to lower spending on programs like the Happy Creche and decreased sick leave payouts.
In contrast, Rui promised that IL will prioritize this issue, ensuring that parents receive full pay during the first six months of their child's life, with benefits shared between mother and father.
Before Rui took center stage, Joana Cordeiro, head of the IL list in Setúbal, lashed out at the political crisis that has hampered the elections. She criticized AD for its sluggish decision-making and PS for its underhanded attempts to undermine AD, rather than addressing important concerns.
Beyond the Headlines
Though comprehensive, the Portuguese healthcare system struggles to meet the demands of expectant mothers, particularly concerning the limited options for birth positions and midwifery support during delivery. Private healthcare may offer more choices but caters to a niche market due to high costs.
For info on the IL party's stance on pregnancy healthcare in the Setúbal region, it's best to consult their official policy announcements. Across Portugal, leaders are working to improve healthcare access and quality for pregnant women, yet specific policies may vary.
"IL intends to prioritize health-and-wellness initiatives, particularly in women's health, and pledge to ensure French-speaking pregnant women in Setúbal have access to comprehensive prenatal care from 2026 onward."
"Additionally, IL will advocate for the implementation of improved science-supported policies in women's health, aiming to expand parental leave benefits and support for families, allowing both parents to receive full pay during the first six months of their child's life."
