Around the World: Spain

Lift of abortion ban mulled

The Spanish government said yesterday it wants to end a legal ban on abortion, a move which will generate controversy in the mainly Roman Catholic country despite the fact that loopholes make it relatively easy in practice to obtain a termination.

The Socialist government's bill, to be sent to Congress where it will face resistance from the conservative opposition, will allow abortion in most cases up until the 14th week of gestation.

(China Daily 05/15/2009 page12)