Born in February 1946 in Los Rosales (Seville), she is unmarried.

She took her degree in law in 1968 at the 'Complutense' University of Madrid.

In January 1981, she joined the lawyers' association.

In April 1975, she opened her own lawyer's office. At the end of 1975, she organized and directed, together with a group of women lawyers, a Legal Organization with the twin aim of advising and defending women and promoting the reform of discriminatory laws.

In October 1985, she was elected to membership of the Council of the Judiciary, where she remained five years.

She has often appeared on radio and television, taking part in lectures, discussions and seminars. She is also a regular contributor to the press.

In July 1993, she was appointed minister of social affairs in prime minister Felipe Gonzalez Marquez's seventh socialist government.