Bolivian lawmakers OK easing of abortion rules

Bolivian lawmakers voted Wednesday to ease the country’s tight restrictions on abortions, shrugging aside opposition from religious groups.

The Legislative Assembly vote will allow “students, adolescents or girls” to have abortions up to the eighth week of pregnancy. The measure doesn’t specify ages, but it appears to apply to girls up to and including 17 years old and older students who still depend on their parents or guardians.

Abortion in Bolivia currently is allowed only when the woman’s life is in danger, in the case of a malformed fetus or in cases of rape or incest. Illegal abortion carry prison terms of up to three years.

President Evo Morales has said he’ll sign the measure.