ECHR Letter – Spain Modifications

Per this letter we respectfully submit to the Grand Chamber new information updating our written submission of 31 October 2008 and supplementary letter of 5 October 2009.

The additional information we wish to present at this time concerns a new Spanish law that eases restrictions on abortion. The new law, which was adopted in February 2010 and will enter into force in July 2010, introduces abortion on request during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. The old Spanish abortion law did not contain an express abortion on request provision. The new law further permits abortion until the 22nd gestational week when there is a risk to the life or health of the woman and in cases of fetal impairment. Abortion is permitted at any time in cases of fetal impairment incompatible with life or when the fetus has an untreatable or grave illness. What is more, whereas women were subject to six months to one year imprisonment for illegally terminating their pregnancy under the old law, the new law does away with this sanction.