The French National Assembly voted late Wednesday in favor of extending the period for legal abortion from 10 to 12 weeks.
The clause in a draft bill, which is still being debated by parliament, was passed on a show of hands, with all the left-wing deputies voting in favor and all the right-wing deputies voting against.
The few right-wing deputies who said they backed the bill or intended to abstain were not present when the vote was taken.
The right is divided on the bill, which has the broad support of the left.
Deputies were to resume their debates Thursday morning, discussing whether an interview before an abortion should be optional, instead of obligatory as at present, and the issue of parental authorization for minors.
Under the draft bill, parental authorization would remain the norm but it could be waived if a minor sought absolute confidentiality.
Each year some 5,000 French women travel abroad to seek abortions beyond the current legal limit of 10 weeks – PARIS (AFP)
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