Spain abortion laws in effect

A NEW law allowing abortion without restrictions in Spain in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy has come into effect despite an opposition party court challenge claiming it is unconstitutional.

The law took effect yesterday, some five months after it was approved by the Socialist government.

The Constitutional Court is to study an appeal by the conservative Popular Party that argues that some parts of the law are unconstitutional. The court must also decide whether to suspend the law while it studies the appeal.

Equality Minister Bibiana Aido says the government is convinced of the constitutionality of the legislation.

The law also allows 16- and 17-year-olds to have abortions without their parents’ permission, although parents would have to be informed.