Letter regarding Spanish abortion law reform

The Center together with 21 other international and national NGOs today called on Spain’s ruling Popular Party to withdraw a bill that would force 16 and 17-year-old girls to obtain the consent of their parents to terminate a pregnancy. The bill is under examination in Congress. The draft legislation poses a serious threat to the health and sexual and reproductive rights of girls and creates unjustified barriers to safe and legal abortion. The proposed legislative changes would obligate 16 and 17-year-olds to obtain consent from their parents or legal guardians before terminating a pregnancy, even in cases in which the requirement could place them at risk of serious conflict, violence, or abuse. Under the bill, a parent’s refusal to give consent could only be challenged in court, raising serious concerns about girls’ well-being and whether the courts would be able to make decisions in a timely manner.