The conservative think tank FAES, led by former Prime Minister José María Aznar, has publicly backed Alberto Núñez Feijóo’s pledge to introduce a nationwide law granting public aid to the unborn if he becomes Spain’s next leader. Modeled on measures already in place in Madrid under Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the proposal has become a flashpoint in the country’s debate over abortion and family policy.
In a detailed statement, FAES defended the initiative as a way to encourage birth rates and support maternity, arguing that such measures should not be controversial. The foundation called the left’s reaction hypocritical and questioned why policies supporting families and higher fertility would be considered offensive or aggressive.
FAES also tied the discussion to abortion, describing it as “a misfortune that can be decriminalized under certain conditions and timeframes.” The organization made clear its opposition to enshrining abortion rights in the Spanish Constitution, a move some left-wing parties currently advocate. FAES called the left’s response to the Popular Party’s (PP) plan to grant administrative rights to the unborn “reactionary” and out of step with most of Europe. It noted that only Poland has comparable legislation.
The statement questioned which rights the proposed law would actually compromise and accused the left of turning abortion into both a legal entitlement and an ideological symbol. FAES argued that efforts to constitutionalize abortion rights rest on a “fabricated threat” and deepen political polarization.
Pointing to legal precedent, FAES noted that Spanish law recognizes certain rights for the unborn, including inheritance and civil protections, provided the child is born alive. But in May 2023, the Constitutional Court ruled that the fundamental right to life applies only to those already born. The decision upheld Spain’s current abortion law, which is based on a system of time limits. Feijóo has said he respects the ruling and that the PP would not seek to repeal the existing law if it comes to power. The issue remains contentious within the party, as its exclusion from the PP’s political platform reflects.
FAES praised Ayuso’s regional policy, now adopted by Feijóo, as a way to ensure that no child is left behind in a country with one of the world’s lowest fertility rates. Madrid’s regional pregnancy, birth and adoption benefit gives eligible women €500 a month from the 21st week of pregnancy until the child turns two, for up to 29 months and a maximum of €14,500 per child. The Community of Madrid also counts a conceived but unborn child as an additional household member from conception when calculating per-capita income for certain regional benefits. These cover study grants and school-meal assistance, alongside early-childhood education support and young-renter assistance.
The regional structure goes beyond the monthly payment: families with two children awaiting a third may qualify for large-family status from the 15th week of pregnancy. That can bring tax advantages and transport discounts, along with educational assistance and reduced prices at cultural and sports facilities. The regional scheme is scheduled to expand in 2027 to mothers aged up to 35 who have a third child. On 21 October 2026, the regional government approved an initial reserve of nearly €119 million to continue the program through 2029. Planned allocations are €40.5 million for 2027, €49.2 million for 2028 and €29.2 million for 2029, information from the Community of Madrid.
A separate municipal program approved by Madrid City Council provides one-time birth and adoption grants for children born or adopted from 1 September 2026 through 31 December 2027. The €15.4 million program offers €500 for a first child, €750 for a second and €1,000 for a third or subsequent child, with no income or parental-age restriction, subject to residency and beneficiary requirements. The city grants differ from the regional payment, which starts during pregnancy and can continue until the child turns two.
The foundation rejected the left’s claim that the proposal infringes on women’s reproductive freedom, stressing that Spanish law already grants certain property and civil rights to the unborn, contingent on live birth. The Madrid model combines direct financial assistance with pregnancy-based administrative eligibility calculations. Any nationwide proposal would need its own legal and policy structure.
The statement concluded that none of these measures would overturn the current abortion law, which remains in force in a country where more than 100,000 voluntary terminations are performed annually. Debate over the rights of the unborn and the scope of state support continues to divide Spain’s political field.
This renewed focus on reproductive rights and political polarization echoes developments elsewhere, including the push for broader left-wing coalitions in Valencia, where Mónica Oltra’s candidacy has highlighted shifting alliances and priorities in local politics.
Spain’s demographic challenges remain acute, with the country consistently reporting one of Europe’s lowest birth rates. According to national statistics, the fertility rate has stayed below 1.3 children per woman for several years, raising concerns about long-term population decline and the sustainability of social welfare systems. How to support families and address these trends is likely to remain a basic issue in Spanish politics as parties prepare for upcoming elections and set out their positions on sensitive social issues.
