Portugal's president has ratified a new law allowing abortion up until the 10th week of pregnancy, his office has said in a statement.

This brings the country into line with most of its European neighbours.

But President Anibal Cavaco Silva recommended that Parliament take further measures to ensure abortions are a last resort.

The country's parliament passed a law to legalise abortion on demand last month following a national referendum.

The vote failed to settle the issue in the mainly Roman Catholic country.

Last month 60% of voters backed the measure in a referendum, but the result was voided because of a low turnout.

Until the law change, abortions were allowed only in cases of rape or of a health risk to the mother.

Abortion is now banned in the EU only in Ireland, Malta and Poland.

(Published by BBC, April 11, 2007)