Madrid, Spain, May 16, 2009 / 20:02 pm
The Socialist government in Spain has given the green light to a measure that would liberalize the country’s laws on abortion, allowing the procedure for any reason up until the 14th week of pregnancy. In cases of fetal deformation, it would be allowed until the 22nd week.
Minister of Equality, Bibiana Aido, said the law that would also allow abortion after the 22nd week in cases of grave or terminal illness in the unborn child. The law is intended “to safeguard the dignity of women.”
The measure will now be reviewed by officials from Spain’s Justice department and then sent to the Council of Ministers before being put before Parliament.
The new law, which the Church in Spain has strongly opposed, expands the current law which allows abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy.