Uruguay's Health Ministry has for the first time authorized an abortion for a woman who is living in "extreme poverty," officials said on Thursday.

The woman was living on the streets and suffering from emotional problems, prompting her to attempt suicide several times, officials told the country's El Pais newspaper.

The abortion authorization came as Uruguay's legislators were beginning to consider a proposed law that legalizes abortion, presented by the ruling Frente Amplio (party).

At present, abortion in Uruguay is allowed if a mother's life is at risk as a result of her pregnancy.

Other justifiable reasons for an abortion in the country include deformities in the fetus or the pregnancy was caused by a rape, especially if the pregnant mother is a minor.

Some 47,000 children are born in Uruguay each year, while there are 33,000 abortions.

Source: Xinhua