Abortion
Abortion is legal in the Netherlands, under the following conditions:
- The abortion must be performed in an abortion clinic or a hospital that has an license to perform abortion. Family doctors can also prescribe abortion pills. Not all family doctors do this. Legally they have to refer you to someone who is able to provide the abortion.
- It is an emergency situation. The law does not specify exactly what an “emergency situation” is. The woman decides herself whether it is an emergency situation.
- Before the abortion, a decision making consultation must take place with a general practitioner.
- You can go directly to the abortion clinic for an appointment or ask your family doctor. You do not need to be referred and there is no legally mandatory reflection period.
- In the Netherlands, abortion is allowed up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. This has been established in law because a child up to 24 weeks cannot live outside the uterus. In practice, an abortion is usually performed up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.
A pregnant woman having a discussion with a health professional in an abortion clinic
Who decides?
From the age of 16, a woman decides about an abortion herself. Her partner cannot take this decision and does not need to be informed.
Women under the age of 16 need the permission of their parent or guardian. If this is not possible, go to your general practitioner or directly to an abortion clinic. In many cases, this means that parental permission is not required.
Where can I have an abortion?
In the Netherlands, you can go to your family doctor, an abortion clinic or a hospital with a licence for performing abortions if you have questions about abortion or want to have an abortion.
Costs of abortion
Everybody who legally resides or works in the Netherlands is insured for abortion and is entitled to free treatment. People who reside illegally in the Netherlands and people residing temporarily in the Netherlands are usually not insured. In that case you will have access to abortion care, but you will have to pay for it yourself.
After an abortion
An abortion can be an emotionally disturbing event, even if it was a clear decision. If you want to talk about it, you can contact your general practitioner or Fiom.