Madrid, 28 September 2026 — Spain’s Ministry of Health plans to include medical abortion in the services of the Atención Primaria of the Sistema Nacional de Salud The Minister for Health Mónica García announced this at the opening of the “Abortar sin barreras” event, held to mark the International Safe Abortion Day. García was also joined by the Minister for Equality, Ana Redondo.
The government is planning two key steps: first, the Real Decreto, which governs the authorisation of healthcare facilities, is to be amended so that health centres can provide the service. Second, the product information for the active substance Mifepristone is to be amended to allow its use outside hospitals. According to the government, the aim is for women to be able to access this option at their health centres, with clear information, trained professionals and support before, during and after the procedure.
The government says the initiative addresses gaps in provision. Mónica García noted that around eight in ten abortions took place in private facilities in 2024. She also cited regions that have already incorporated these services into public healthcare. The Ministry said it would coordinate the proposal with the autonomous communities and professional associations.
The timetable remains unclear. Updating the cartera común de servicios, amending a Real Decreto and revising the product information for Mifepristone will require formal procedures at national level and coordination with the autonomous health authorities. The government did not give a binding deadline on Monday.
The announcement is a statement of political intent and sets legal and organisational processes in motion. Whether and when the service will be available throughout Atención Primaria will depend on progress with the regulatory procedures and implementation in the regions. No new substantive guidance on clinical practice was announced beyond today’s event.
Facts, attributions and outlook: The Ministry announced its decision to initiate the procedures on 28 September 2026 in La Moncloa The service figures cited come from the Minister’s account. No forecasts were made on when the changes would take effect.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).