Madrid - Spain's parliament Thursday approved controversial draft legislation easing women's access to abortion. The law, which was approved by a vote of 183-162, can still undergo modifications before being tabled for final approval.
Equality Minister Bibiana Aido promised to seek "the widest possible consensus" on the law prepared by the socialist government, which is opposed by the conservative opposition People's Party (PP).
Spain's Catholic Church has threatened to excommunicate anyone involved in abortions.
Currently, more than 100,000 abortions are performed annually in Spain, usually on grounds of damage to the mother's psychological health.
The new law would make abortions carried out before the 14th week of pregnancy available on demand.
The most controversial part of the law would allow girls as young as 16 to terminate pregnancies without their parents' knowledge.
Hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated against abortion in October, in a rally backed by the Catholic Church.
