Moroccan King Mohammed VI has ordered the laws restricting abortion in the African country to be loosened, allowing it in cases of rape, incest, danger to the mother's health or fetal malformation.

The royal palace statement reported by the state news agency said the decision followed recommendations by the justice minister, the religious affairs minister and the head of the official human rights organization.

Previously Moroccan law only allowed abortion if there was a threat to the mother's health. But a rare debate erupted in society starting in February about easing restrictions.

The recommendations committee said a "vast majority" of Moroccans still backed keeping abortion illegal except for a few exceptions.

While against the law, illegal abortions are common in Morocco, with non-governmental organizations estimating 600-800 are performed daily.Mor