A debate on abortion access has reignited in Spain. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Partido Popular, has put forward an unexpected initiative: he proposes creating a special list of doctors willing to perform terminations of pregnancy. At the same time, the politician calls for the abolition of the existing registry of medical professionals who refuse to carry out such procedures on moral grounds.
This move comes in response to ongoing disputes over a constitutional reform aiming to enshrine the right to abortion. While the central government prepares amendments, internal conflicts are flaring up in Madrid and several other regions. For example, the head of Comunidad de Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has refused to implement the mandatory registry established by the 2023 law. In other regions, such as Aragón and Islas Baleares, authorities have agreed to create such a list.
Feijóo believes it is more important for women to know which doctors are willing to help them, rather than who refuses. In his view, the current approach only complicates access to medical care. He also accused Pedro Sánchez’s government of attempting to distract from corruption scandals by using the abortion issue for political attacks on opponents.
There is no consensus within the People’s Party itself on this issue. Recent statements by Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida and Ayuso’s refusal to create a registry have only deepened the divisions. At the same time, Feijóo opposes including the right to abortion in the Constitution, arguing that it is not a fundamental right. He reminded that even Marine Le Pen in France supported a similar initiative, unlike the Spanish right-wing parties.
In recent weeks, tensions between the People’s Party and Vox have continued to rise. Feijóo is using the abortion issue to criticize Vox leader Santiago Abascal, accusing him of destructive politics and of trying to align his party with radical forces. After the events of October 12, when Abascal ignored the official ceremonies, Feijóo pointed out that other Vox members did attend, hinting at internal disagreements within the far-right party.
Ultimately, the issue of the doctors’ registry and abortion rights has become not only a medical matter but also a political marker dividing Spanish society and elites. The debate continues, with neither side willing to back down.
