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Unplanned Pregnancy in Spain: Termination, Prenatal Care and Legal Rights

Spain permits abortion up to 14 weeks on request. Know your legal rights, clinic access, and medication options before you travel.

What to know before travelling to Spain with an unplanned pregnancy

Spain permits voluntary termination of pregnancy up to 14 weeks gestation without stated reason[1], and up to 22 weeks under specific health grounds, under Organic Law 2/2010 as amended. Access to both public Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) facilities and private clinics is available, but wait times, documentation requirements, and costs vary significantly depending on your residency status.

This guide covers the legal framework, clinic access, medication options including mifepristone and misoprostol, costs for non-residents, emergency contraception availability, and phrases to communicate with Spanish clinicians. Storing your medical history in a Nomedic International Patient Summary (IPS) gives any Spanish clinician immediate access to your full clinical picture.

Medical disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your specialist before travelling, particularly regarding changes to your treatment schedule and travel insurance.

Key risks

Key risks for unplanned pregnancy travellers in Spain

Gestational window closing before you can access care

The 14-week on-request limit under Organic Law 2/2010 applies from the first day of your last menstrual period[1]. Confirm gestational age by ultrasound as soon as possible; do not assume dating by last period is sufficient.

Limited SNS access for non-residents

EU/EEA travellers with a valid EHIC card can access medically necessary SNS care[2], but elective termination is typically processed through private accredited clinics for non-residents. Identify a private clinic before you travel.

Conscientious objection by healthcare providers

Spanish law allows individual clinicians to register as conscientious objectors, but the health authority must refer you to a non-objecting provider[1]. Private accredited clinics (centros de interrupción voluntaria del embarazo) typically have non-objecting staff on site.

Medication abortion supply and prescription requirements

Mifepristone and misoprostol are prescription-only and dispensed through accredited clinics or hospital pharmacies, not retail pharmacies. You cannot purchase them over the counter in Spain.

Emergency contraception availability

Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg (Norlevo, Postinor) is available without prescription at any Spanish farmacia[5]. Ulipristal acetate 30 mg (EllaOne) also requires no prescription in Spain and is effective up to 120 hours after unprotected sex.

Preparation checklist

  • Confirm gestational age by ultrasound — Do this before you travel so you know exactly which options are available under Spanish law.
  • Identify an accredited clinic in Spain — Search for centros de interrupción voluntaria del embarazo near your destination and save the address and phone number offline.
  • Check your EHIC or GHIC validity — EU/EEA travellers should confirm the card is in date before departure.
  • Review your travel insurance in detail — Confirm whether pregnancy complications are covered and what exclusions apply to reproductive procedures.
  • Carry a copy of your most recent ultrasound report — Required by most Spanish clinics to confirm gestational age before scheduling.
  • Pack a written summary from your GP or specialist — Include blood group, Rh factor, current medications, and any relevant gynaecological history.
  • Bring a three-month supply of any ongoing prescription medications — Spanish pharmacies will not dispense on a foreign prescription without local authorisation.
  • Store your Nomedic IPS offline — Generate your International Patient Summary before you leave so it is accessible without mobile data.
  • Note the emergency number 112 — This is the single number for ambulance, police, and fire across all of Spain.
  • Find a specialist before travel — Use Nomedic's provider search to locate an obstetrician-gynaecologist (tocoginecólogo) near your destination.

Documents to carry

Documents to carry when travelling to Spain with an unplanned pregnancy

Keep these documents accessible on your phone and in paper form; the Nomedic app consolidates the most critical items into a single shareable record.

Your International Patient Summary (IPS)

Your Nomedic IPS stores your blood group, Rh factor, current medications, allergies, and relevant diagnoses in a format any Spanish clinician can read instantly. In a gynaecological emergency, handing a clinician your IPS QR code eliminates the need to explain your history verbally in a second language.

Full document checklist

Keep the following accessible on your phone and ready to share. Your Nomedic IPS covers items 1 and 6 automatically.

  1. ·
    Your Nomedic IPS Covers your current medications, allergies, blood group, Rh factor, and relevant diagnoses. Offline and QR-shareable.
  2. ·
    Most recent ultrasound report Must confirm gestational age; accredited clinics in Spain will not schedule a procedure without it.
  3. ·
    GP or specialist letter Must include blood group, Rh factor, current medications by INN, and any relevant gynaecological history.
  4. ·
    EHIC, GHIC, or private health insurance card EU/EEA travellers should carry their EHIC for SNS emergency access; all travellers should carry private insurance documentation.
  5. ·
    Travel insurance schedule Policy number and insurer's 24-hour line saved in your Nomedic profile.
  6. ·
    Emergency numbers Ambulance and all emergencies: 112. Police: 091. Saved offline in Nomedic.

Medications advice

Bringing your medications to Spain

Spain follows EU rules on personal medication imports[3]: you may bring a personal supply of up to 90 days for non-controlled medications, provided you carry a prescription or doctor's letter confirming the medication is for personal use. Mifepristone and misoprostol are prescription-only in Spain and are not available to import for self-administration; they must be dispensed and supervised by an accredited clinical provider.

Do not post your medication to Spain.

Postal import of prescription medications is prohibited under Spanish law. Carry all medications in person in your hand luggage with original packaging and a supporting prescription or doctor's letter.

Relevant medications: brand names, INNs, and Spain availability

The following table covers medications relevant to unplanned pregnancy management, including termination, emergency contraception, and pregnancy continuation support, with their Spanish brand names and dispensing notes.

INN (Generic Name)Brand Name(s)
mifepristone
Mifegyne (mifepristone)

Dispensed only through accredited termination clinics or hospital pharmacies; not available in retail farmacias.

misoprostol
Cytotec (misoprostol)

Dispensed only in clinical settings alongside mifepristone; not sold OTC for abortion use.

levonorgestrel 1.5 mg
Norlevo, Postinor (levonorgestrel 1.5 mg)

Available without prescription at any farmacia.

ulipristal acetate 30 mg
EllaOne (ulipristal acetate 30 mg)

Available without prescription at any farmacia; effective up to 120 hours post-unprotected sex.

progesterone
Utrogestan, Cyclogest (progesterone)

Prescription required; used in threatened miscarriage or luteal support.

anti-D immunoglobulin
Rhophylac, BayRho-D (anti-d immunoglobulin)

Administered in hospital or clinic; essential for Rh-negative patients after any pregnancy procedure.

Anti-D immunoglobulin is essential for Rh-negative patients

If your blood group is Rh-negative, anti-D immunoglobulin must be administered within 72 hours of any pregnancy procedure, including termination or miscarriage management. Tell the clinical team your Rh status before any procedure; your Nomedic IPS displays this automatically.

Travelling with medications requiring refrigeration

If you take progesterone or any other temperature-sensitive medication, these steps apply regardless of your destination within Spain.

1
Carry in hand luggage only. IATA rules permit medically necessary medications in cabin baggage; keep them in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's letter.
2
Declare at security. Inform the security officer before screening; most airports accept a printed prescription as supporting documentation.
3
Maintain the cold chain. Progesterone pessaries and anti-D immunoglobulin should be stored at 2°C to 8°C according to EMA product specifications[6]; use a medical-grade cool bag and replenish ice at your hotel on arrival.
4
Book direct flights where possible. Layovers increase cold-chain exposure time, particularly if checked baggage is delayed on the tarmac in summer.

Your medication list, ready to share.

Nomedic stores your medication name, INN, dosage, and frequency — readable by any clinician worldwide.

Go to my record

At your destination

Healthcare and prescriptions in Spain

Spain's public health system is the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). EU/EEA travellers holding a valid EHIC gain access to medically necessary SNS care on the same terms as residents[2]. Non-EU/EEA travellers must use private facilities. Private obstetrician-gynaecologist consultations cost €80 to €150 (~$94 to ~$176), and a first-trimester termination at an accredited private clinic costs €400 to €900 (~$471 to ~$1,059). Foreign prescriptions are not directly dispensed by Spanish farmacias; you need a Spanish prescription issued by a local clinician, or the procedure must be arranged through an accredited clinic.

Mifepristone and misoprostol cannot be obtained at a retail farmacia under any circumstances; they are dispensed exclusively through accredited centros de interrupción voluntaria del embarazo or hospital units. If you need emergency contraception (levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate), these are available without prescription at any farmacia.

Termination medications are dispensed only through accredited clinics

For mifepristone or misoprostol, contact an accredited centro de interrupción voluntaria del embarazo directly. Bring your ultrasound report, your Nomedic IPS, and your specialist letter. The clinic will issue its own prescription and supervise administration.

Finding a specialist

The relevant specialist is a tocoginecólogo (obstetrician-gynaecologist), found in SNS hospital obstetrics departments and private clinics. Accredited termination clinics are listed on the Ministry of Health website[4] and are located in all major Spanish cities. Same-day appointments are not guaranteed; contact the clinic before you travel to confirm availability and waiting times.

Search for providers near your destination

Use Nomedic's provider search to find obstetrician-gynaecologists and accredited clinics in Spain. Save the address and phone number offline before you travel.

Find a specialist

If you run out of medication or miss a procedure window in Spain

If you are unable to access a procedure within your intended gestational window, contact an accredited clinic immediately; many have same-week scheduling for urgent cases. If you are approaching the 14-week limit, do not wait for a referral through SNS channels.

1
Contact an accredited private clinic directly. Search for 'clínica de interrupción voluntaria del embarazo' in your city. Most have a phone line open 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday.
2
Contact your home specialist. Confirm whether any ongoing medication (e.g. progesterone) should be continued or adjusted if the procedure is delayed.
3
For emergency contraception supply. Any farmacia can supply levonorgestrel (Norlevo) or ulipristal acetate (EllaOne) without a prescription; no documents are required.

Managing heat, travel fatigue and medication storage day to day

Southern Spain regularly records summer temperatures above 35°C in cities such as Seville, Córdoba, and Málaga[7]. Heat compounds nausea and fatigue that may already be present, and can degrade temperature-sensitive medications like progesterone pessaries if left in a hot car or unventilated bag.

Store progesterone and any refrigerated medication in a hotel mini-fridge on arrival; most Spanish hotels provide them on request. Plan outdoor activity in early morning or after 6 pm, when temperatures are lower. Farmacias stock oral rehydration sachets (suero oral) and anti-nausea medications such as metoclopramide (Primperan) OTC. The afternoon siesta culture means most shops close between 2 pm and 5 pm; plan pharmacy visits for morning or evening.

Nausea and dizziness in heat are not always a sign of a complication

Heat-related symptoms overlap with early pregnancy symptoms and with side effects following a medical termination. If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours after cooling down and resting, or if you develop heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or fever above 38°C, follow the guidance in the Emergency tab.

Spanish phrases for clinicians

Show your Nomedic IPS first — it removes the need to explain your diagnosis verbally. If verbal communication is needed:

“Tengo un embarazo no deseado.”

I have an unplanned pregnancy.

“Necesito hablar con un tocoginecólogo urgentemente.”

I need to speak to an obstetrician-gynaecologist urgently.

“Estoy sangrando y tengo dolor abdominal fuerte.”

I am bleeding and have severe abdominal pain.

“Mi grupo sanguíneo es Rh negativo.”

My blood group is Rh negative.

“¿Dónde está la clínica de interrupción voluntaria del embarazo más cercana?”

Where is the nearest accredited termination clinic?

“Necesito un anticonceptivo de emergencia.”

I need emergency contraception.

Insurance considerations

What to know about travel insurance

Standard policies almost always exclude termination of pregnancy and reproductive health procedures

Most travel insurance policies exclude elective procedures including termination; private clinic costs in Spain for a first-trimester medical or surgical termination range from €400 to €900 (~$471 to ~$1,059). Confirm in writing whether your policy covers complications arising from pregnancy regardless of how you proceed.

What to look for in a policy

Pregnancy complications explicitly covered

The policy should state it covers complications of pregnancy at any stage, not just after a defined gestational threshold.

Emergency medical evacuation

Covers repatriation if local care is insufficient for a pregnancy-related emergency.

Replacement medication cover

Covers emergency replacement if your medication is lost, damaged, or delayed.

24-hour assistance line with translator access

So someone can communicate with Spanish clinicians on your behalf.

What to declare at application

Declare thoroughly. Incomplete disclosure can invalidate your entire policy, not just the pregnancy-related claim.

1
Current gestational age

State weeks of gestation confirmed by ultrasound or last menstrual period date.

2
Current medication and dose

Use the INN alongside the brand name.

3
Any complications identified to date

Include any spotting, pain, or abnormal scan findings.

4
Associated conditions

Declare any gynaecological or haematological conditions, or medications that affect coagulation.

Store your insurance details in Nomedic.

Your policy number and emergency assistance line, saved alongside your IPS and accessible offline.

Go to profile.
EU and EEA travellers

An EHIC or GHIC card entitles EU/EEA travellers to medically necessary SNS care at the same terms as Spanish residents, but elective termination procedures are generally directed to private accredited clinics for non-residents and are not covered by EHIC. Separate travel insurance covering pregnancy complications is still essential.

Emergency protocol

Go to the nearest urgencias (emergency department) immediately

Heavy bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour), fever above 38°C, severe abdominal pain, or fainting after any pregnancy-related procedure require emergency care. Call 112 or go directly to the nearest hospital urgencias. Contact your travel insurer's 24-hour line as soon as you are stable.

When you arrive — follow in order

1
Show your Nomedic IPS immediately.

Full clinical picture in seconds, no verbal explanation needed.

2
Say this phrase.

Hand your phone to the triage nurse:

Estoy embarazada y necesito atención urgente. Estoy sangrando mucho.

I am pregnant and need urgent care. I am bleeding heavily.

3
Declare your Rh status.

Tell the team your blood group; Rh-negative patients require anti-D immunoglobulin within 72 hours of any pregnancy event.

4
List all medications taken in the last 48 hours.

Including mifepristone, misoprostol, or any OTC medications; this is critical for safe clinical management.

Calls and location

Call 112 for ambulance, police, and fire anywhere in Spain. For police only, dial 091. Save your exact address or Google Maps pin in your phone before you travel; Spanish streets can be difficult to describe verbally.

In hospital

Abdominal trauma in pregnancy requires immediate obstetric assessment

Any blunt abdominal trauma, even minor, can cause placental abruption or other complications. Tell the emergency clinician your gestational age and that you are pregnant before any imaging or treatment.

After any emergency

Contact your home specialist as soon as you are stable

Before you leave the hospital if possible.

Keep the discharge letter (informe de alta)

Required for insurer reimbursement and continuity of care.

Your IPS is ready to show

Open Nomedic and tap Share to generate a QR code any clinician can scan.

Open IPS

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my pregnancy medications into Spain?

You may bring up to a 90-day personal supply of non-controlled prescription medications such as progesterone, provided you carry an original prescription or doctor's letter. Mifepristone and misoprostol cannot be imported for self-use; they must be dispensed by an accredited Spanish clinic.

Do not post medications to Spain

Postal import of prescription medications is prohibited. Carry everything in person in your hand luggage.

Full medications guide above

Are termination medications available in Spanish pharmacies?

Mifepristone and misoprostol are not available at retail farmacias; they are dispensed only through accredited centros de interrupción voluntaria del embarazo or hospital units. Emergency contraception (Norlevo, EllaOne) is available without prescription at any farmacia.

What are the emergency numbers in Spain?

Ambulance / all emergencies

112

Police (National)

091

Pan-European

112

How can I communicate my situation in an emergency in Spain?

Show your Nomedic IPS first. If verbal communication is needed:

“Tengo un embarazo no deseado y necesito atención médica urgente.”

I have an unplanned pregnancy and need urgent medical attention.

“Tomé mifepristona hace menos de 48 horas.”

I took mifepristone less than 48 hours ago.

Does Spain's abortion law apply to international travellers?

Yes. Organic Law 2/2010 applies to all persons present in Spain[1] regardless of nationality or residency status. Non-residents access termination through private accredited clinics rather than the public SNS pathway, and costs must be paid out of pocket unless covered by a travel insurance policy.

Identify a clinic before you travel

Private accredited clinics can schedule appointments within days, but you must contact them in advance. Do not assume you can walk in on arrival.

Do I need special travel insurance to visit Spain with an unplanned pregnancy?

Standard policies exclude elective reproductive procedures, but pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, haemorrhage, or sepsis should be covered by most policies. Private obstetric emergency care in Spain can cost €400 to €2,000 (~$471 to ~$2,352) depending on the intervention required.

Declare thoroughly

State current gestational age, current medications, any complications identified, and associated gynaecological conditions. Incomplete disclosure invalidates the entire policy.

Sources

  1. [1] Ley Orgánica 2/2010, de 3 de marzo, de salud sexual y reproductiva y de la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo — BOE
  2. [2] European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) — European Commission
  3. [3] Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS) — Medicamentos y uso personal en viajes
  4. [4] Ministerio de Sanidad — Interrupción Voluntaria del Embarazo: información y estadísticas
  5. [5] AEMPS — Ficha técnica Norlevo 1,5 mg comprimido (levonorgestrel)
  6. [6] EMA — Utrogestan (progesterone) Summary of Product Characteristics
  7. [7] Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) — Valores climatológicos normales: Sevilla, Córdoba, Málaga

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