In Portugal there are island situations with very particular characteristics due to their available geography, dimension and resources. Among them is a singular case, a Portuguese island in which the birth of babies in the place is formally prohibited, forcing pregnant women to travel to other islands to have their children.
On Corvo Island, the birth of babies on site is formally prohibited. According to RTP, this standard requires the transfer of pregnant women from the 34th week of gestation to a neighboring island that has hospital and obstetrics. The most frequent destination is Flores Island, which guarantees better clinical conditions.
Still according to the same source, it is not recent. The measure is part of a continuous strategy of the Azores Regional Health Service to protect pregnant women and newborns in island zones with less medical resources and transport difficulties.
Why the ban?
The island in question only has a rudimentary health center, without a block of births or obstetricians. This makes it unfeasible to make births safely, especially in case of urgency.
Geographic isolation and adverse weather conditions may significantly delay aerial or maritime evacuations, increasing risks in case of complications in delivery.
According to the same source, pregnant women are sent in time, with logistical support and accommodation assured by the Regional Government, so that the delivery occurs with proper clinical follow -up.
An exception in Europe
This reality is unique in Europe: there is, in any other European inhabited territory, a norm that prevents births for reasons of lack of medical infrastructure.
Although there is no restriction on the right to reside, the fact that it cannot be born there reveals a strong contrast to the right to housing and birth anywhere in the country, calling for population loyalty.
It was also noted that this practice makes local demographic renewal difficult. Many young couples eventually settle on other islands, which contributes to the aging of the population on the island.
We recommend:
A Singular Beauty Island
Despite the ban on birth, the island remains alive and distinct. Recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO since 2007, it has an incomparable natural heritage: a volcanic crater, lagoons, cliffs and geological richness, such as basalt and pumon stone.
The population, reduced to about 440 to 450 inhabitants, lives in a single village, with a strong sense of community and well -preserved traditions.
According to the same source, nature tourism has been growing sustainably, especially among bird observers and interested in the untouched landscape.
Identity, Culture and Future
Its registration as a reserve of the biosphere reflects the appreciation of the balance between human presence and environmental conservation.
According to, the island stands out for holding important traditional festivals, such as that of Our Lady of Miracles on August 15 and the Divine Holy Spirit in July, reinforcing the community bond.
Despite the uniqueness of the norm that prevents births, the island continues to be inhabited, with effective logistics network for pregnant women and with a very uninsular identity of its own, preserving natural, cultural and social wealth.
Also read:
