Spanish Justice Minister quits over failed abortion law

Spanish Justice Minister Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón has resigned following his government’s decision to shelve a tough abortion draft law he had spearheaded.

Gallardón had already announced he felt discredited by allegations in the Spanish press last week that Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy had changed his mind over the controversial draft bill.

Following Rajoy’s confirmation on Tuesday that the draft bill will be shelved due to a lack of support for the legislation, Gallardón has said he will quit politics altogether, also leaving his seat in the Spanish Parliament. 

The draft reform, approved in January, would have allowed abortions only in cases of rape which had been reported to the police or when there was a medically-certified threat to the mother's physical or psychological health.

The controversial move has caused divisions within the party and angered thousands of pro-choicers who have taken to the streets to voice their discontent.

Others have marched to support the draft bill spearheaded by Gallardón.