France may alter abortion law

Paris - France's outspoken Labour Minister unveiled a controversial new bill yesterday that would allow minors to have an abortion…

Paris - France's outspoken Labour Minister unveiled a controversial new bill yesterday that would allow minors to have an abortion without parental consent and extend the cut-off date for legally terminating pregnancy from 10 to 12 weeks.

The minister, Ms Martine Aubry, who also oversees the Health Ministry, has long sought to change abortion laws adopted in 1975 and bring them into line with France's European neighbours, most of which have far more liberal abortion legislation.