Madrid's Controversial Proposal on Post-Abortion Syndrome Sparks Outcry from Experts

In a contentious move, the Madrid City Council has approved a proposal that links abortion to a so-called 'post-abortion syndrome,' drawing sharp criticism from psychological and medical experts. The measure, presented by Vox councilor Carla Toscano and supported by the Popular Party (PP), stipulates that women seeking abortions must be informed about alleged risks, such as depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts, which the proposal claims can follow the termination of a pregnancy. Medical professionals emphasize that there is no scientific basis for the existence of post-abortion syndrome, asserting that the initiative exploits unfounded fears to undermine women's rights. Psychologist Raquel Hurtado warns that mandating health workers to spread misinformation coerces women and creates unnecessary fear around abortion, stating, "Professionals will be forced to lie and expose women to fear and coercion." This controversial directive extends beyond just informing women; it mandates that such information be disseminated through various public channels, including official websites and brochures, framing abortion as a life-altering decision fraught with negative consequences. Experts like Francisca García, medical director of two clinics in Andalusia, clarify that while some women may have feelings of grief or regret surrounding abortion, these should not be classified as medical pathologies. Instead, they are often influenced by societal stigmas and the support they receive during and after the procedures. Critics argue that describing a non-existent syndrome as a risk factor inherently misinforms women about the realities of abortion. Ezequiel Pérez Campos, a gynecologist, states that credible studies indicate that denying women the right to abort often leads to greater psychological harm than the procedure itself. He insists that the propagation of pseudoscientific claims not only confuses women but also actively seeks to limit their autonomy in making well-informed choices regarding their bodies. The fault lines in the debate become especially pronounced in the context of new reforms to Spain's abortion law, which ensures that women receive objective, scientifically-backed information about their options. Silvia Aldavert, coordinator of the Associació de Drets Sexuals i Reproductius, noted that the Madrid City Council's initiative violates these legal prerequisites, which are intended to protect women from coercive practices that could affect their decision-making. As the government evaluates the legal implications of this controversial proposal, many experts remain vigilant about the potential for such ideologically driven tactics to undermine reproductive rights in Spain. The introduction of similar measures, such as requiring women to listen to a fetal heartbeat before undergoing an abortion, reflects a broader international trend observed among anti-abortion groups seeking to impose additional emotional and psychological burdens on women making this choice. In this environment, maintaining factual and unbiased access to reproductive health information is crucial for ensuring that women's rights are not eroded by misinformation and ideological agendas. As the conversation continues, the implications of Madrid's recent measure will likely reverberate far beyond its city limits, raising important questions about the intersection of healthcare, rights, and personal autonomy. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2