Spanish anger over TV star Ana Obregón’s surrogate baby in US

Ana Obregón, a Spanish television actress, has drawn criticism for disclosing that at the age of 68, she gave birth to a girl in the US through a surrogate. Obregón is well recognised for his roles as the lead in several Spanish sitcoms.

She had previously discussed her efforts to move on with her life when her son, who was also her sole child, died of cancer in 2020 at the age of 27. All kinds of surrogacy are prohibited in Spain, however parents who return to the country can adopt the child.

Following the passing of her son, Obregón, who also lost both of her parents, was depicted on the cover of the Hola! magazine earlier this week holding a newborn outside a Miami hospital.

In an Instagram post, she later commented on the magazine cover, saying:

“A light full of love came into my darkness.

“I will never be alone again. I AM ALIVE AGAIN.”

Her remarks ignited debate on Spanish social media, and ministers in Spain’s left-wing government were incensed at the move.

The image of Obregón leaving the hospital was dubbed “Dantesque” by education minister Pilar Alegra in reference to the Italian author’s descent into hell.

Equality Minister Irene Montero claimed the measure was “a form of aggression against women” and added there was a “clear poverty prejudice” against women who become surrogate mothers because they needed the money.

This is not surrogacy, this is renting a womb,” Ms. Alegra added. “As we all know, this is an illegal procedure in Spain.” Presidency Minister Felix Bolaos remarked that “women’s bodies should neither be bought nor hired to satisfy anyone’s demands.”

Cuca Gamarra, the second-ranking member of the conservative People’s Party, was more circumspect, stating that the topic required “deep and quiet debates because it touches on many issues.

Spain’s Socialist-led coalition government came to power almost five years ago and has made women’s rights one of its key areas of policy.

Earlier this year, it imposed tighter restrictions on surrogacy, banning advertisement for surrogacy agencies.

It identifies surrogacy as a form of violence against women and categorises any type of forced pregnancy, abortion, sterilisation or contraception in the same way.

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