Spanish gov’t new abortion law will require teens to inform parent before ending pregnancy

Spanish gov’t to change abortion bill

MADRID — The Spanish government will amend its proposed abortion bill to oblige girls aged 16 and 17 to inform one of their parents if they want to end their pregnancy.

The proposed amendment was aimed at winning the support of the Basque Nationalist Party, who said Thursday it will now support the legislation.

The new law proposes unrestricted abortion up to the fourteenth week of pregnancy. But a clause that would allow teens to have an abortion without parental consent had roused much opposition.

Governing Socialist party member Carmen Monton hailed the agreement, saying the most important thing was that the woman have the final say.

The bill is supported by several parties but the votes of the six Basque deputies guarantees passage in parliament.