In Belgium, a predominantly Catholic nation, it was not until 1990 that legislation was enacted allowing women to voluntarily terminate their pregnancies within a 12-week timeframe. To facilitate the passage of this bill, King Baudouin of Belgium temporarily relinquished his powers as head of state for one day, enabling parliament to enact the law without his signature. His reluctance to endorse the bill stemmed not only from the influence of the Catholic Church but also from a deeply personal tragedy that had a lasting impact on both him and his wife, Fabiola. This shared history ultimately enriched their lifelong partnership.

Baudouin, born in 1930, faced the challenges of World War II during his formative years. His father, King Leopold III, surrendered to Nazi forces against governmental wishes, severely damaging his reputation. Following the war, public sentiment in Belgium opposed Leopold's return to the throne. After five years of exile in Geneva, he abdicated, and the 21 year old Baudouin ascended to the throne. The post war era was marked by significant social upheaval, and Belgium, situated in Western Europe, was not immune to these changes. During the 1950s and 60s, Belgium underwent substantial political reforms and witnessed the independence of its colony, Congo, in 1960. The precursor to the European Community was established in 1951, with Belgium playing a pivotal role in its evolution into the European Union. As a young king, Baudouin was preoccupied with numerous domestic and international issues, consistently presenting himself as gentle, humble, and diligent in governance. His devout Catholic faith helped restore public confidence in the monarchy.

Nearly a decade into his reign, Baudouin approached his thirtieth birthday, prompting public curiosity about his marital status, especially since his younger brother Albert had already married an Italian noblewoman named Paola. Eventually, a Belgian bishop took the initiative, enlisting a nun to find a suitable match for the king among Catholic countries. Through her efforts, the nun met Fabiola, a Spanish noblewoman. Initially, she intended to introduce other eligible candidates, but soon realized that Fabiola was the ideal choice. Fabiola hailed from a noble family closely connected to the Spanish royal family and was a devout Catholic who preferred a quieter life dedicated to nursing rather than the socialite scene.

Upon arriving in Belgium, Fabiola quickly recognized the matchmaking arrangement. At 32, she was two years older than Baudouin, and her calm demeanor immediately attracted him. Both had endured the hardships of exile during the war Baudouin losing his mother at a young age and Fabiola recently mourning her father's death fostering a deep mutual understanding. Their connection proved strong, leading them to marry shortly after their introduction. They wed in Brussels in 1960, and commentators noted the evident love between them during the televised ceremony.

However, their seemingly perfect life faced unforeseen challenges. In June 1961, following a meeting with the Pope, rumors circulated that Fabiola was pregnant, causing national excitement. Unfortunately, just two weeks later, the royal family announced that she had suffered a miscarriage. Fabiola became pregnant again in February 1962, but medical assessments revealed a mere 10% chance of a successful pregnancy. Despite taking precautions, she miscarried once more. Over the next several years, Fabiola experienced multiple pregnancies, each ending in heartbreak, including surgeries and severe complications. Ultimately, Baudouin decided they should not attempt to have children any longer, unable to witness the toll it took on Fabiola. Although she felt guilty and suggested divorce, Baudouin steadfastly refused, later expressing that perhaps their inability to have children allowed them to extend their love to all children worldwide. This conviction contributed to his hesitance in signing the aforementioned abortion bill.

Throughout their marriage, there was no visible rift between them regarding this issue; Baudouin consistently held Fabiola's hand and looked at her with affection as they aged together. With no heirs, the throne would eventually pass to Baudouin's brother Albert's family. Baudouin and Fabiola grew particularly fond of Albert's eldest son, Philippe, whom they groomed as a successor. Meanwhile, Albert's marriage faced turmoil, yet he reconciled with Paola amid the prospect of kingship.

In 1993, while vacationing in Spain, Baudouin unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack, leaving Fabiola devastated. At his funeral, she wore white a color symbolizing rebirth in Christianity and Baudouin's favorite hue standing out among the mourners clad in black. Following Baudouin's death, Albert ascended to the throne, and Fabiola moved from the royal palace but continued to be a beloved figure in Belgium. She devoted the last two decades of her life to charitable endeavors until her passing in 2014, reuniting with Baudouin. In a 2008 television interview, Fabiola publicly shared her experiences of loss, stating, "Although I lost five children, I still believe that life is beautiful." This perspective likely fueled her resilience in facing life alone for twenty years.