Spain’s parliament passed a sexual and reproductive health law that allows girls aged 16 and 17 to undergo abortions without parental consent and offers state-funded paid leave for women who suffer from painful periods.
Spain’s parliament on Thursday passed a sexual and reproductive health law that allows girls aged 16 and 17 to undergo abortions without parental consent and, in a first for a European country, offers state-funded paid leave for women who suffer from painful periods.
“These advancements allow us to exercise freedom over our bodies, with the state recognising the full citizenship of more than half the population,” said Equality Minister Irene Montero.
The legislation would do away with a 2015 measure, introduced by the conservative People’s party, which requires women aged 16 and 17 to obtain parental consent for abortions. It would also scrap the current three-day period of reflection for those seeking a termination.
Formally known as the law for the protection of sexual and reproductive rights and the guaranteeing of the voluntary termination of pregnancies, the draft measures would introduce an official register allowing medical staff who object to abortion to opt out of involvement in the procedure.
First in Europe
The new law also allows a menstrual leave for women suffering from painful periods and strengthening access to abortion in public hospitals. The length of sick leave has not been specified in the bill.
When this bill is finally adopted, Spain will become the first country in Europe and one of the few in the world to integrate this measure into its legislation, following the example of Japan, Indonesia or Zambia.
Spain is a country considered a reference for women’s rights in Europe, especially since the adoption of a law on gender violence in 2004. The Sanchez government has more women than men in its ranks.
Sources: Guardian, Reuters