Galicia reports average of 15 newborn abandonments for adoption annually

In Galicia, Spain, an average of 15 women per year choose to relinquish their newborns for adoption. Data collected by the Xunta since 2009 shows that 254 babies have entered the adoption process in the region during this period.

The number of cases has remained relatively stable, oscillating between 9 cases in 2022 and 26 in 2012. The highest concentrations of these cases occur in the provinces of A Coruña and Pontevedra, while Lugo and Ourense report significantly fewer instances.

The legal process is designed to be confidential and provides a minimum reflection period of six weeks from the time of birth before the decision is finalized. During this window, mothers can seek further information or change their minds. To avoid institutionalization, babies are placed with prepared foster families during this period while the legal process is completed.