Ethics of care and politics: contributions from the legacy of Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo

Abstract

The purpose of this text is to bring contributions from the ethics of care to the practices of Primary Health Care based on the legacy of Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo (1930-2004), Prime Minister of Portugal, from July 1979 to January 1980. Through the use of narrative record, aspects of the life trajectory of the politician are brought through the testimony of an important partner in fights, as well as theoretical and documentary contributions, which are part of the Caring for the Future Foundation’s collection, which sought sustained improvement of quality of life and the defense of basic rights. The parliamentarian had significant political participation in European and the United Nations Organizations Forums proposing actions that would combat social inequality and the oppression of women. Inspired by feminist ethics, she
understood care as the cornerstone of her actions. She valued the unique experiences of people and communities as the main parameter for strengthening social participation and the effectiveness of human rights. Finally, she expressed a way of doing politics in which ethical commitment and respect for oneself, others, and the environment marked her way of being in the world.