In a world where headlines often highlight the erosion of women’s rights, recent developments in Spain and Japan offer a rare glimmer of hope.
These two nations have recently taken bold steps to protect and advance women’s autonomy, representing a tangible commitment to safeguarding the rights of women in the face of rising conservative and patriarchal pressures.
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s leftist coalition government has proposed a historic constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to abortion. If successful, Spain would become only the second country in the world to do so, following France’s landmark decision in 2024. This move comes amid what Sánchez describes as a “global onslaught on reproductive freedom.” The proposal aims to prevent future rollbacks by conservative forces and to ensure that abortion remains a protected right, regardless of political shifts.
The initiative also includes measures to combat misinformation in abortion care. The government plans to amend existing laws to prohibit the dissemination of scientifically inaccurate information, such as the discredited notion of ‘post-abortion syndrome.’ This is a direct response to recent efforts by far-right parties in Madrid to mandate such warnings in clinics. Sánchez has made it clear: “With this government, there will be no step backward in social rights.”
Meanwhile, in Japan, a country known for its deeply traditional and patriarchal social norms, a significant breakthrough has occurred. For the first time, the emergency contraceptive pill, commonly known as the morning-after pill, can now be purchased over the counter without a prescription. There are no age restrictions and no requirement for parental consent, although the pill must be taken in the presence of a pharmacist.
This reform follows years of advocacy by women’s rights groups who criticised the previous requirement for a doctor’s prescription, which posed significant barriers, especially for young women and survivors of sexual assault. The move aligns Japan with over 90 countries that already allow non-prescription access to emergency contraception. It is a monumental step toward empowering Japanese women to take control of their reproductive health.
These progressive developments stand in stark contrast to the global trend of regressive policies. In the United States, the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has emboldened anti-abortion movements worldwide. In countries like Poland and Hungary, restrictive laws and cultural conservatism have significantly curtailed reproductive rights. Even in international forums, such as the United Nations, nationalist and anti-gender ideologies are gaining ground, threatening decades of progress.
Even in Australia, we have seen renewed attempts to restrict abortion rights. In South Australia, a controversial bill was introduced to ban abortions after 22 weeks and 6 days, drawing criticism for being a step backward. Meanwhile, in Queensland, politicians like Robbie Katter have vowed to introduce legislation to wind back abortion access, making reproductive rights a live political issue once again.
According to UN Women, nearly three-quarters of the global population now lives under regimes that have curtailed rights and freedoms, with over 600 million women and girls residing in conflict-affected areas. This makes the actions of Spain and Japan all the more critical as they serve as beacons of resistance and progress in an increasingly hostile environment.
While the road to gender equality remains fraught with challenges, the recent actions by Spain and Japan remind us that progress is still possible. They demonstrate that political will, public support, and persistent advocacy can lead to meaningful change. As the world grapples with a resurgence of patriarchal ideologies, let these victories inspire continued vigilance and activism.