Spain advocates opening the debate on protecting voluntary termination of pregnancy at the European level

The Minister for Equality, Ana Redondo, during her appearance at a press conference at the headquarters of the European Parliament

The Minister for Equality, Ana Redondo, has defended the need to open the debate on protecting voluntary termination of pregnancy in the European Union's Charter of Rights at the European Parliament. At a press conference, held together with the President of the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), Lina Gálvez, the Minister expressed Spain's willingness to open this political debate at the European level.

Ana Redondo argued that "we are living through a time when the reactionary wave threatens to undermine women's rights and freedoms. Our bodies are the workhorse, and we can't turn back."

The minister stated that the objective is to ensure that the right to voluntary termination of pregnancy is effective throughout Spain. In this respect, she reiterated the differences that exist in Spain across the different autonomous communities. "Of the 106,742 abortions carried out in 2024, only 20% were performed within the public health system", said Redondo, who pointed out that there are women who cannot access this right in their own territory. "It is important to take this step and to safeguard the process of exercising this right on an equal basis throughout Spain. That is why we also believe that the European institutions have to support and advance the recognition of sexual and reproductive rights", she asserted.

At the European Parliament, the Spanish Minister for Equality has insisted that this is an important day to demand and to advance towards equality and the recognition of our rights: "In Spain, we are going to do this; we are convinced and determined to fight the constitutional battle. I think it is important, and I believe that the majority of Spanish citizens are with us."

Redondo also argued that, although voluntary termination of pregnancy has been a recognised right in Spain since 1985, now is the time to strengthen provision relating to this right. "Without this benefit dimension, the process of exercising the right is unviable and generates many differences between territories. That is why we are here, and we are asking for support to advance the feminist agenda in which Spain has its own voice. We will be heard loud and strong in defence of sexual and reproductive rights", she concluded.

High-level meeting

The Spanish Minister for Equality also participated in Brussels in a high-level meeting organised by the European Commission on the Roadmap for Women's Rights - an initiative that includes a Declaration of Principles for a Gender Equal Society. This text is intended to be a guide for policy makers and a point of reference for all stakeholders, inside and outside the European Union.

The Minister for Equality also met with MEPs to discuss European equality policies and women's rights and legislative advances in the area of sexual and reproductive health, as well as with the proponents of the European citizens' initiative "My Voice, My Choice", which promotes access to safe, free and accessible abortion throughout the European Union. This initiative is supported by over 300 feminist organisations and activists from all over Europe, including representatives from Spain, Poland, France, Austria, Croatia, Ireland and Hungary. It currently has 1,298,000 signatures of support.

Non official translation