Protesters In Madrid March Against Bill To Change Abortion Law

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Litigation / Medical Malpractice;  Mental Health
Article Date: 21 Oct 2009 - 5:00 PST

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Tens of thousands of antiabortion-rights protesters marched through Madrid on Saturday in opposition to efforts by the ruling Socialist Party to change the country's abortion laws, Reuters/New York Times reports (Reuters/New York Times, 10/18). According to the AP/Washington Times, the bill would allow unrestricted abortion access up to 14 weeks' gestation and remove the possibility of jail time for women who seek the procedure. It would also allow individuals ages 16 and older to access abortion services without parental consent.

Under Spain's 1985 abortion law, the procedure is allowed in cases of rape, incest or if the woman's physical or mental health is in danger, the AP/Times reports. A majority of the country's abortions fall under the health exception, the AP/Times reports.

The Socialist Party says the bill would bring the country's abortion policy in line with other European countries. Parliament is expected to vote on the bill this year (Woolls, AP/Washington Times, 10/17).

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