Spain wants to enshrine the right to abortion in the constitution

The Spanish government plans to include the right to abortion in the constitution, making Spain the second country in the world after France to take this step.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the move as a response to global pressure against reproductive rights. The reform must also be approved by some of the opposition MPs, as it requires a three-fifths majority in the lower house.

At the same time, the law is to be tightened so that women do not receive manipulative or unscientific information that could dissuade them from having an abortion.

The government is also responding to a recent decision by the Madrid City Council, which had ordered that women be informed about the so-called “post-abortion syndrome.” According to proponents, this could lead women to alcohol and drug use or even suicidal thoughts.

(reuters, mja)