The government of the Comunidad de Madrid plans to officially recognise unborn children as members of the family from the 12th week of pregnancy – specifically for the classification as a “familia numerosa” (large family). This will allow families to benefit from the associated advantages and concessions even before the child is born.
Spain Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Benefits for families
In Spain, the status of “familia numerosa” comes with numerous benefits: tax advantages, educational allowances, and housing or childcare subsidies. Under the new regulation, families expecting another child could access these benefits during the pregnancy.
Who is affected?
- Valid for unborn children from the 12th week of pregnancy, following medical confirmation.
- In multiple pregnancies, each child is counted separately.
- Families must provide a medical certificate confirming the pregnancy and the expected due date.
- A special certificate, “familia asimilada a familia numerosa,” records the recognition and is valid until three months after the expected due date.
Objective of the measure
According to the government, the regulation is intended to legally equate unborn children when this provides families with greater support or benefits. The initiative is part of the family policy strategy of the regional government under Isabel Díaz Ayuso, aimed at promoting the birth rate and supporting families.
Next steps
The draft is currently in a public consultation process, which runs until mid-April. Only after this could the law be officially passed. Critics point out that the measure is legally and ethically controversial, as it involves unborn children in administrative procedures that have previously applied exclusively to already born children.
