Spain’s government has announced plans to enshrine the right to abortion in the country’s constitution. The move comes after a dispute over the Madrid city council’s decision to promote information on “post-abortion syndrome” to women seeking to terminate their pregnancy. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that his coalition government will bring a constitutional reform proposal to parliament, ensuring that women’s rights are not undermined by opposition parties.
The proposal to provide information on “post-abortion syndrome” was backed by the conservative Popular Party and the far-right Vox party. However, medical experts have stressed that there is no scientific consensus on the condition, which Vox claims can lead to drug use, suicidal thoughts, or cancer. Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida acknowledged that the syndrome is not a recognized scientific category and assured that women would not be forced to receive the information.
The Spanish government’s move to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution is significant, as it would require a three-fifths majority in parliament, meaning the Socialist-led coalition will need opposition support. Abortion was decriminalized in Spain in 1985 in limited cases, and a 2010 reform allowed it up to 14 weeks. The debate over abortion rights in Spain comes amid growing concerns about Europe’s demographic future, with low fertility rates across the continent. Spain’s fertility rate is currently 1.41 births per woman, one of the lowest in the EU.
The government’s proposal also aims to amend existing laws to prevent pregnant women from receiving “misleading or anti-scientific information about abortion.” This move is seen as an effort to ensure that women have access to accurate and unbiased information when making decisions about their reproductive health. As the debate over abortion rights continues in Spain, the government’s plans to enshrine these rights in the constitution are likely to have significant implications for women’s health and reproductive freedom in the country.
The announcement by Prime Minister Sanchez has sparked a wider discussion about the importance of protecting women’s rights and ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services. With France being the first country to enshrine abortion rights in its constitution last year, Spain’s move is seen as a step towards strengthening reproductive rights in Europe. As the Spanish government moves forward with its proposal, it will be closely watched by women’s rights advocates and opponents of abortion alike, highlighting the ongoing debate over this contentious issue.
