In a landmark ruling, a regional court in Murcia has determined that single parents in Spain can now request the same total amount of paid parental leave as couples. This decision follows a precedent set by the constitutional court last November, which declared it unconstitutional to discriminate against children from single-parent families. The court emphasized that the necessary care and attention needed for newborns is uniform, irrespective of the family structure.

Consequently, this ruling translates to single parents being eligible for the full parental leave duration available to couples — allowing them a total of 32 weeks of paid leave when serving as both parents. The legal interpretation now provides a framework that other courts across Spain may adopt, making it easier for single parents to claim these benefits.

Noted lawyer Carla Vall highlighted the broader implications, suggesting that parents in regions outside of Murcia could reference this decision when applying for similar rights. Social rights minister Pablo Bustinduy hailed the ruling as a major triumph for civil society, acknowledging the persistent advocacy for equality in parental rights. This decision marks a transformative moment in Spain’s approach to family policy and parental rights, underscoring the significance of equitable leave for all family types.