Spain
Legal challenge to Abortion Law admitted by top court
The Constitutional Court yesterday admitted an appeal by the Popular Party (PP) — on the grounds of unconstitutionality — against the Abortion Law, which is due to come into effect on July 5.
The government, Congress and Senate have been given three days to prepare their counter-statements against the PP's demand to have the law suspended. The Constitutional Court therefore will not make any decision on the appeal until after the law has officially entered into effect.
One of the PP's most vehement arguments is that the right to abort up to 14 weeks into a pregnancy is contrary to the right to life. Also in contention is the article of the law that allows 16- and 17-year-old girls to abort without parental consent if their family circumstances are difficult.
The government recently amended this paragraph, stipulating that at least one legal guardian or school teacher be informed.
(Published by El País – July 1, 2010)