Spain to ease abortion limits for over-16s and allow menstrual leave

Parental permission to end for terminations and up to five days' leave a month for painful periods

Spain's Socialist-led coalition government is preparing a law that would allow women over the age of 16 to have abortions without permission from their parents or guardians, and introduce up to five days of menstrual leave a month.

The draft legislation, which is due to be approved by the cabinet next week, is intended to ensure that abortion is available to all those using the public health system, and that menstruation is treated as a proper health issue.