The Ministry of Health on 22 September 2026 launched the first state information campaign on abortion since the start of democracy. Under the slogan “Tienes derecho a abortar y a hacerlo en la pública”, the advert highlights the right to abortion and the entitlement to have it carried out within the public health service. Health Minister Mónica García said at the launch that the campaign was intended to make women’s freedom to choose and the public authorities’ duty to provide support and care visible. The advert will be broadcast in the media shortly.
At the same time, the ministry approached the Abogacía del Estado, the state legal representation, asking it to take all necessary steps to require the Community of Madrid to establish a legally mandated register of doctors with conscientious objections. The regional government of Isabel Díaz Ayuso opposes such a register and has repeatedly described it as an ideologically motivated list. The central government argues that a register helps plan services, enabling public hospitals to ensure access to abortion.
The dispute has continued for months and has involved the courts. In early 2026, the ministry had already brought the matter before the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Madrid, because the region had not implemented the register. Court rulings have required Madrid to make arrangements. By involving the Abogacía del Estado now, the central government is reaffirming its intention to enforce the rules adopted on access to the public health service.
The background is a long-standing tension between a formally guaranteed right and practical obstacles in parts of the country. Spain has gradually liberalised abortion, but the specific arrangements and organisation are largely the responsibility of the Autonomous Communities. Where many healthcare workers register a conscientious objection, bottlenecks can arise without clear responsibilities. A Register of conscientious objectors is intended to create transparency and enable planning without making individual decisions public. Supporters see it as an administrative tool; opponents warn of an invasion of privacy and pressure on medical staff.
In the short term, the campaign raises the profile of the right. At the same time, the central government is putting Madrid under further pressure to act. It remains unclear how quickly the regional administration will respond and what organisational changes will follow in clinics; further court proceedings and possible measures by the Abogacía del Estado will determine the timetable.
Editor: Clara Simonichek (Article created with AI assistance).