Madrid Expands Family Benefits to Include Unborn Children

The Regional Parliament in Madrid has passed a law under which an unborn child, once the pregnancy has been medically confirmed, is taken into account when assessing a family’s eligibility for certain social benefits.

After the 14th week of pregnancy, families expecting their third child can receive discounts on public transportation, grants, and other benefits. If the pregnancy ends in the loss of the child, they will not be required to return the benefits received.

Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Madrid regional government, described the measure as a way to support families and address the declining birth rate. Spain’s fertility rate has fallen from 2.8 children per woman in 1975 to 1.1 in 2024. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the opposition People’s Party, also expressed support for the law.

Ayuso also criticized the high number of abortions in the country and declared that “every life is important, unique and irreplaceable from conception to the last breath”.

Both the Socialists of the PSOE and the Más Madrid party rejected the proposal. They argue that it is an attempt to change the legal status of the fetus and indirectly challenge women’s right to make decisions about their own bodies.

The People’s Party has announced that if it comes to power after the upcoming parliamentary elections, it will seek to enact similar legislation throughout Spain.

(spectator, bak)