When Blanca* decided she wanted an abortion, she was told she'd have to travel almost three hours to find Spain’s nearest health centre with free provision. Out of desperation she ended up paying 400 euros at a private clinic, where she was offered only a local anaesthetic.
Her experience is just one example of the grim reality for women and pregnant people that a progressive new law is hoping to address.
Since 2010, abortion has been legal under any circumstances during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy in Spain, but poor planning, a lack of resources and information and conscientious objections from doctors are all factors that affect the right to choose.
