Denmark intends to extend the legal abortion limit from 12 to 18 weeks, announced the health ministry on Friday, aligning with efforts to uphold women’s reproductive rights amidst global trends of tightening abortion regulations. Health Minister Sophie Lohde emphasized the need for updated abortion laws, stating, “After 50 years, it’s time for the rules governing abortion to change and to strengthen women’s right to decide.”
Camilla Rathke, head of the Danish Medical Association, welcomed the decision, asserting that women would now have more time and autonomy to consider their options.
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Under the proposed changes, teenagers aged 15 to 17 will be permitted to undergo abortion without parental consent.
Denmark’s move to extend the abortion limit follows recommendations from an ethics committee, which proposed the extension to 18 weeks last year, in line with neighboring Sweden. The committee justified the extension, stating that it still allows for a considerable margin before the viability of the fetus, typically around week 22 of pregnancy.
The proposed legislation will be presented to parliament during the 2024-2025 session and enjoys widespread support from opposition parties on the left, indicating strong prospects for adoption by a significant majority. Should the bill be adopted, the new law is expected to take effect on June 1, 2025.
Among Western European nations, Denmark’s proposed 18-week limit would remain more restrictive than the UK and the Netherlands, which allow abortions up to 24 weeks, and Iceland, which permits abortions up to 22 weeks.
Key Points
- Abortion Limit Extension: Denmark plans to extend the legal limit for abortion from 12 to 18 weeks, as announced by the health ministry, aligning with efforts to bolster women’s reproductive rights.
- Government Initiative: Health Minister Sophie Lohde emphasized the necessity of updating abortion laws to empower women to make informed decisions about their pregnancies.
- Medical Association Support: The proposal received backing from the Danish Medical Association, with head Camilla Rathke highlighting the importance of granting women more time and autonomy in their decision-making process.
- Teenage Access: Under the proposed changes, teenagers aged 15 to 17 will be allowed to undergo abortion without parental consent, aiming to facilitate access to reproductive healthcare for young individuals.
- Ethics Committee Recommendation: The decision to extend the abortion limit follows recommendations from an ethics committee, bringing Denmark in line with neighbouring Sweden and allowing for a significant margin before fetal viability.
- Legislative Process: The proposed legislation will be presented to parliament during the 2024-2025 session and is anticipated to receive broad support, paving the way for adoption by a large majority.
- Expected Implementation: If adopted, the new law is projected to take effect on June 1, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Denmark’s reproductive healthcare policies.
- Comparative Context: Denmark’s proposed 18-week limit would still be more restrictive than abortion laws in other Western European countries, such as the UK, the Netherlands, and Iceland, which allow abortions up to 24 or 22 weeks.
