Nearly one thousand healthcare workers have signed a letter in protest against a law passed by the Portuguese government to deny medical care to irregular immigrants.
Just shy of one thousand healthcare sector workers in Portugal -- including doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other professionals working in healthcare -- have signed an open letter against a new law passed by the parliament in Lisbon last week that limits access to healthcare assistance for irregular migrants in the country.
In particular, the letter was addressed to the president, parliamentary speaker, prime minister, and health minister.
The text of the letter is posted online, where it continues to collect signatures and support.
The law is yet to be made law.
'A violation against ethics -- and law'
"This measure violates the Constitution, European legislation, and the medical code of ethics. It will aggravate inequalities, damage vulnerable populations, and jeopardize public health," the letter read.
"The medical code of ethics establishes that doctors cannot accept situations of external interference that limit their freedom of clinical judgement and that doctors must carry out their professional activities without any form of discrimination," the signatories further noted.
They also threatened taking further steps in the future such as acts of civil disobedience if the draft bill is fully signed into law.