Spain’s socialist government is pushing a radical proposal to ban pro-life protests within 200 meters of abortion clinics, creating a “security perimeter” that would prohibit peaceful prayer and gatherings near these facilities.
The Ministry of Equality announced the initiative on February 14, 2026, as part of efforts to “strengthen” legal protections for abortion. The plan includes enshrining abortion in the Constitution under health rights and amending the Criminal Code to enforce these restrictions, allying with groups seeking to criminalize pro-life activism.
The measures aim to prevent “pressure or coercion” on women accessing clinics, ensuring “unimpeded entry.” Spain’s broader curbs intensify the controversy, preemptively silencing voices that defend the unborn. Pro-life associations strongly oppose the plan, arguing their activities involve silent prayer, informational outreach, and aid for vulnerable women—actions already regulated under existing laws against coercion.
These zones infringe on constitutional rights to expression and assembly without evidence of wrongdoing, shifting focus from supporting pregnant women to suppressing alternatives that value life from conception.The proposal comes amid political scandals, with opponents accusing the government of escalating a culture-war distraction to deflect scrutiny.