Madrid must activate the register of conscientious objectors to abortion following the court order

Healthcare life in Madrid takes a turn following the decision of the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Madrid, which requires the Community to set up the register of conscientious objectors for voluntary terminations of pregnancy. This measure, which must be applied immediately, affects both public and private hospitals and seeks to guarantee compliance with the law in force.

The ruling comes after the Ministerio de Sanidad sought interim measures in response to the refusal of the Gobierno de Isabel Díaz Ayuso to develop the register. The court has accepted the request, although it clarifies that the Community must not create the register automatically, but rather begin the administrative procedures necessary for its preparation and approval.

Madrid was the only autonomous community that had made no progress on this register, provided for under state legislation. The Madrid Consejería de Sanidad says that the judicial decision only rules on the interim measure and announces its intention to appeal. Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Mónica García, welcomes the fact that the Justice system has taken this step, recalling that until now 99% of cases were referred to private healthcare.

The register of conscientious objectors seeks to organise and clarify the availability of professionals to perform abortions within the healthcare network. Its implementation may alter the internal organisation of hospitals and health centres, as well as the experience of those requesting this service in Madrid.

The Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Madrid, based on the central General Castaños street, is the region's highest judicial authority in administrative litigation. Its decisions tend to set the pace of regional politics, especially on issues that affect everyday life and public services. Madrid is already beginning to move in that direction.