“Having an isolated case once a year is understandable. However, if it becomes a norm, it is unacceptable, and the Minister of Health must address this and speak to the nation,” stated Marques Mendes.
During a visit to Évora, the candidate was questioned by journalists about a reported incident of a woman giving birth in an Uber in Loures while being transported to the Hospital de São Francisco Xavier in Lisbon.
Marques Mendes, speaking to journalists after a presentation of the European Capital of Culture Évora_27 at the management association’s headquarters, insisted that the government must clarify “what measures are being taken, if any, to change this situation.”
“The country speaks of promoting birth rates, yet we frequently encounter incidents where women give birth outside of maternity facilities. This contradiction is unacceptable, severe, and worrisome,” he emphasized.
According to the presidential candidate, families—especially women considering motherhood—question their safety in light of such cases and feel vulnerable.
“This is the opposite of what politicians advocate for, which is to increase and stimulate birth rates. The Ministry of Health cannot normalize these situations as ordinary events. No, this is not normal,” he reiterated.
Marques Mendes stressed that Minister Ana Paula Martins needs to inform the public about any planned changes to address this issue, underscoring, “If nothing is planned, plans must be made. If there are plans, it’s essential for the Portuguese people to know.”
“We cannot advocate for birth incentives and tolerate situations where pregnant women give birth outside of maternity facilities, as it is evidently dangerous, abnormal, and completely unjust,” he insisted.
When questioned about the response from fellow presidential candidate Gouveia e Melo, who called for more respectful language, Marques Mendes declined to comment.
“There is more to life than Mr. Admiral Gouveia e Melo, and today there are pressing cultural issues that are more significant. The country is always more important than any individual’s circumstances,” he stated.
Speaking about Évora_27, the candidate highlighted it as an initiative with a “very strong cultural brand,” an important sector for development with “local, regional, national, and European scope.”
“This project is one of unity, bringing together people from different political sides and those from or supportive of the Alentejo region,” he affirmed.
Marques Mendes expressed a desire to be present at the opening of the initiative, scheduled for February 6, 2027, as President, but acknowledged that the decision rests with the Portuguese electorate.
“If they want, I’ll be pleased, but if not, I won’t hold it against anyone,” added the candidate, just before meeting with Évora’s mayor, Carlos Zorrinho, as his final agenda item in the city.
