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Madrid Defies Abortion Registry Order, Defers to the Courts

Regional officials argue the list of objecting doctors would infringe fundamental rights.

Overview

  • On the day the deadline expired, the Comunidad de Madrid said it will not create or remit a registry of doctors who object to performing abortions and will only comply if ordered by a court.
  • The Ministry of Health required regions to establish a Registry of Persons Objectors to guarantee access to abortion and reduce referrals to private providers or other territories.
  • Regional health minister Fátima Matute labeled the central government "sectarian" and vowed to defend freedom of conscience "with the Constitution in hand."
  • The formal requirement was issued to four regions—Madrid, Aragón, Asturias and the Balearic Islands—with the compliance deadline falling on Friday.
  • Officials indicated the central government can take the dispute to contentious-administrative court proceedings to seek enforcement after the deadline.