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Understanding abortion
When someone becomes pregnant and does not want (or cannot) continue the pregnancy, abortion is a type of healthcare that safely ends the pregnancy. For some people, it may be a straightforward medical decision. For others, it can be more difficult, emotional, or affected by stigma.
Knowing how abortion works, what the different options are, and what support exists is an important part of making a well-informed decision.
Abortion in Europe
Even though Europe is often seen as progressive, many countries still have strict rules about abortion or require several unnecessary (medical) steps before allowing one. These barriers can threaten the safety, dignity, and freedom of people who need an abortion.
Currently:
- Out of 44 European countries, 31 do not cover abortion costs.
- 26 allow healthcare workers to refuse abortions because of personal or religious beliefs.
- 19 countries require extra steps such as mandatory counseling (sometimes biased) or waiting periods.
This map by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights shows how countries in Europe rank in terms of access to safe abortion. The Netherlands ranks 4th, following Sweden, Iceland, and the UK.
Source: European Abortion Policies Atlas, European Parliamentary Forum (EPF) for sexual and reproductive rights, epfweb.org/node/857, 28/09/2021
Abortion in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, abortion is allowed up to the 24th week of pregnancy for any reason. After 24 weeks, abortion is only possible for serious medical reasons.
The stage of pregnancy determines which type of abortion can be done.
- The abortion pill (also called a medical abortion) can usually be taken during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.
- After 14 weeks, a surgical abortion is required. This can be done through vacuum aspiration, instrumental abortion, or dilation and evacuation.
For more details, please see: government.nl/topics/abortion and womenonweb.org.
| <14 weeks | Abortion Pill | Consists of 2 courses of medication. First, mifepristone/mifegyne to end the pregnancy, then misoprostol two days later to cause cramping to expel the pregnancy. A medical abortion (abortion pill) can occur at home (via the GP) up to 9 weeks, and in the hospital up to 12 weeks. |
| 5-13 weeks | Vacuum aspiration | Local anaesthesia or sedation, usual procedure duration: 5-10 mins. |
| 13~24 weeks | Instrumental abortion | Usually sedation, 10-20 mins procedure, follow up consultation to ensure abortion is complete. |
| >24 weeks | Instrumental abortion/ Dilation& Evacuation | Always general sedation, 15-25 mins procedure, follow up consultation to ensure abortion is complete. |
Getting an abortion
To have an abortion in the Netherlands, you can go to an abortion clinic, your GP (huisarts), or a hospital upon medical need.
- You do not need a referral from a doctor to visit an abortion clinic.
- A list of abortion clinics can be found here: ngva.net/klinieken.
- Clinics often offer translation phone services if you need language support.
Since 1 January 2025, it has also been possible to get the abortion pill from your GP. However, not all GPs offer this yet. Contact your GP to ask if they do. If not, they can refer you to another GP or clinic.
If you live or work in the Netherlands, abortions done at abortion clinics or prescribed by a GP are free of charge. Abortions in hospitals are covered by health insurance.
After an abortion
Most people can return to normal activities within a few days after taking the pills or having the procedure.
If you would like support afterwards, free counseling is available. You can ask your GP or clinic about this service.
You can also contact abortion support groups listed in the Abortion Resources section below.
If you decide not to have an abortion but do not want to raise the baby, other options such as adoption are available.
The Dutch organisation Fiom offers information and help with adoption or foster care, as well as support for people with unwanted pregnancies.
Tips for people in other countries
If you live outside the Netherlands, make sure you understand your local abortion laws.
Some countries have few restrictions, while others require waiting periods, mandatory counselling, and/or parental consent.
If abortion is illegal in your country or you have passed the legal time limit, you still have some options:
- If you are less than 14 weeks pregnant, Aid Access can ship abortion pills worldwide.
- Contact reliable organisations that can give advice and support (see Abortion Resources below).
- Only use trusted websites when ordering online. Some fake sites sell unsafe or fake pills.
- If you are able to, you may also travel to another country where abortion is legal and safe.
Abortion resources
Information, support, and guides
Ava:
Information on contraception and abortion in Dutch, with stories, news, and a guide to clinics.
avahelpt.nl
S.A.F.E (Supporting Abortions for Everyone)
S.A.F.E is a group that supports abortion activists in the Netherlands and internationally, by providing multilingual abortion information, funding and reliable pathways to safe abortion care.
supportingabortions.eu/
Vrije Keuze Coalitie (Free Choice Coalition):
A network of healthcare providers, citizens and organisations working to protect abortion access in the Netherlands.
vrijekeuzecoalitie.nl
Fiom:
Offers resources and advice on adoption, foster care, and unplanned pregnancies.
fiom.nl
Abortion Network Amsterdam:
A volunteer group helping people in the Netherlands (and abroad, including Poland) access safe abortion. Includes clinic information and practical guides.
abortionnetwork.amsterdam
De Kindertelefoon:
A free and anonymous helpline for children and teens (ages 8–18).
Phone: 0800 200 432
kindertelefoon.nl
Planned Parenthood:
Information on unplanned pregnancies, contraception, abortion, and sexual health.
plannedparenthood.org
Amsterdam UMC – Dutch Fetal Biobank:Gives people the option to donate embryos or foetuses for scientific research after miscarriage or abortion.
amsterdamumc.org
Abortion pill access worldwide
Plan C:
Information for people in the U.S. on how to safely access and use abortion pills.
plancpills.org/protocol
Women on Web:
Provides safe access to abortion pills in more than 180 countries.
womenonweb.org/en/home-en/
Aid Access:
Doctors, activists, and advocates providing abortion pills worldwide (up to 14 weeks pregnant).
aidaccess.org/en/
Some safety notes
In countries where abortion is illegal, some websites may be blocked. Instead, you can use a VPN (such as NordVPN, AstrilVPN, ProtonVPN, Norton Secure VPN, or Surfshark) to access reliable information. Many VPNs offer free trials, as well.
Be careful:
Some websites and clinics are fake and may sell unsafe pills or give false information. Only use reliable organisations such as Aid Access or Plan C.
Watch:
The Fake Abortion Clinics of America: Misconception
See the list of known fake websites here:
womenonwaves.org/en/page/7609/list-fake-websites
