Autonomy and Reproductive Health

Abstract

In 2013, the European Parliament´s Report on sexual and reproductive health stressed the women right to decide responsibly their number of children. Consequently and for unwanted pregnancies, this report recommended a legal, safe and accessible abortion in the every European country. Since 2010 abortion is regulated by the Spanish Act on sexual and reproductive health. Respect for autonomy and the right to decide with responsibility are the core principles for sexuality education, family planning services, and also reproductive health policy. In general, Spanish legislation on health issues considers autonomy as a basic principle and informed consent as a standard procedure. However, in 2014 the Spanish government draft law modified the model and priorities, in order to protect fetus life and pregnancies. The article indicates a problem of coherence, between this perspective and the national and international prevailing approach to sexual and reproductive rights.