In a manifesto published Sunday by Spain’s opposition party, the heavily favored Popular Party vowed to modify the abortion law liberalized last year by the socialist government of Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, if it assumes power November 20.

   As part of the party’s electoral program published by the Spanish media yesterday, the  Popular Party said, “We will change the current legislation model relating to abortion in order to reinforce the protection of the right to life as well as female minors.” The text goes on to say, “Motherhood must be protected and supported. We will defend a law protecting motherhood with measures helping pregnant women, in particular those in difficult situations.”

     Under the current law, abortion is permitted “up to 22 weeks if two doctors certify there is a serious threat to the health of the mother, or fetal malformation,” according to the Associated Press. Beyond 22 weeks abortion “would be allowed if doctors certify fetal malformation deemed incompatible with life or the fetus were diagnosed with an extremely serious or incurable disease.”

  The 2010 law, enacted over fierce opposition from the Catholic Church, also allows 16- and 17-year old minors to have abortions without parental consent.