Spanish cabinet eases abortion law

MADRID, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Girls as young as 16 could end a pregnancy without parental consent under plans by Spain's socialist government to liberalize abortion, authorities said.

The cabinet-approved plan would make abortion available on demand for the first time in Spain's history, the BBC reported Sunday. Parliament has yet to vote on the plan.

Currently, Spanish law allows abortion only when the health of the mother is at risk, when genetic defects are found in a fetus and in pregnancies resulting from rape.

Supporters said the new plan demonstrates respect for the rights of women, while opponents, including the Roman Catholic Church, said the plan lacks broad support in Spanish society.

Church leaders and conservatives plan to rally against the proposal next month in Madrid, the BBC reported.

The abortion plan is the most recent battle between Spain's Roman Catholics and conservatives and a liberal government that has already legalized same-sex marriage and eased restrictions on divorce.