Madrid, 16 February 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Spain's parliament passed laws on Thursday that make it easier for trans people to change their gender, and for women to have access to abortions.

"Today is a historic day for the promotion of feminist rights," Equality Minister Irene Montero said afterwards on Twitter.

The gender bill was approved by 191 votes to 60 - with an unusually high number of abstentions, 91. On abortion reform, 185 lawmakers voted for the measure and 154 against.

The gender law allows children and young people 12 and older to change their gender identity. Young people over 14 still need the consent of their parents and younger ones require the additional approval of a judge. Those 16 and older can decide independently.

The conservative opposition and the Catholic Church criticized the law, which also caused debate within the left-wing government coalition.

The new abortion law guarantees abortions in public health centres and lowers the age for an abortion without parental consent to 16. It also abolishes the three-day "reflection period" that was previously required.

Free distribution of the "morning-after pill" is also guaranteed. Another innovation is the so-called "menstruation leave," which allows women to stay home from work in case of severe menstrual cramps.