Constitution of the Portuguese Republic

Country
Portugal

Article 59 (Workers’ rights) (1) Regardless of age, sex, race, citizenship, place of origin, religion and political and ideological convictions, every worker shall possess the right: (b) That work be organised in keeping with social dignity and in such a way as to provide personal fulfilment and to make it possible to reconcile professional and family life. Article 67 (Family) (1). As a fundamental element in society, the family shall possess the right to protection by society and the state and to the effective implementation of all the conditions needed to enable family members to achieve personal fulfilment. (2) In order to protect the family, the state shall particularly be charged with: (a) Promoting the social and economic independence of family units; (b) Promoting the creation of, and guaranteeing access to, a national network of crèches and other social facilities designed to support the family, together with a policy for the elderly; (c) Cooperating with parents in relation to their children’s education; (d) With respect for individual freedom, guaranteeing the right to family planning by promoting the information and access to the methods and means required therefore, and organising such legal and technical arrangements as are needed for motherhood and fatherhood to be consciously planned; (e) Regulating assisted conception in such a way as to safeguard the dignity of the human person; (f) Regulating taxes and social benefits in line with family costs; (g) After first consulting the associations that represent the family, drawing up and implementing a global and integrated family policy; (h) By concerting the various sectoral policies, promoting the reconciliation of professional and family life. Article 68 (Fatherhood and motherhood) (1) In performing their irreplaceable role in relation to their children, particularly as regards the children’s education, fathers and mothers shall possess the right to protection by society and the state, together with the guarantee of their own professional fulfilment and participation in civic life. (2) Motherhood and fatherhood shall constitute eminent social values. (3) Women shall possess the right to special protection during pregnancy and following childbirth, and female workers shall also possess the right to an adequate period of leave from work without loss of remuneration or any privileges. (4) The law shall regulate the grant to mothers and fathers of an adequate period of leave from work, in accordance with the interests of the child and the needs of the family unit.