Abortion Policy to Change

Spain recently, Wednesday, made decision to loosen its currently restrictive law on abortion. The mention of the policy change has stirred up trouble between what has been called, "a Socialist government that has already introduced sweeping social changes and conservatives and Catholic clergy bent on preserving traditional family values." (GMANews)

The newly changed policy, from parliament, is said to suggest to the government that it be done in the early stage - posing for stronger restriction of the progression of the pregnancy. As it stands currently, abortion is a legal offense. The ability to perform the abortion, however, is readily available under the current system - the law states that the abortion may be performed "in the first 12 weeks in case of rape, and 22 weeks in case of fetal malformation". The only requirements are for a certification of health (mental and/or physical) stating that proceeding with the pregnancy would be a risk.

Being that Spain holds a strong Catholic population, this has brought a lot of attention to the forefront. Parliamentary spokeswoman for the opposition Popular Party, Sandra Moneo, believes, "Abortion is bad. It is bad for women and it is bad for society. A woman cannot have a right to something that is bad for her." The church's reaction? They have held several pro-family rallies which have drawn thousands of people - reflecting back on the man Roman Catholic priests and nuns that were killed by Republicans in the Spanish Civil War.

Opinions from the opposing, Dr. Sergio Munoz, spokesperson for an association of Spanish abortion clinics says that it is necessary to protect women and doctors from unnecessary lawsuits, but is hopeful for more specifics.

The newly adaptations to the current law say that this provides for more respect for women, allowing them to make the decisions which directly effect their bodies - without doctor's approval.

Last year, over 100,000 abortions were performed in Spain.