OLVG hospital starts late-term abortions between 22 and 24 weeks
The OLVG hospital in Amsterdam has started a pilot program for performing late-term abortions. This concerns pregnancy terminations between the 22nd and 24th week. Although this medical procedure is legally permitted in the Netherlands, it remains a sensitive topic in society.
Until now, women seeking an abortion after 22 weeks were often unable to be treated in the Netherlands. They had to travel abroad for this care, for example to specialized clinics in the United Kingdom. By offering the procedure domestically, the hospital hopes to make care more accessible and less burdensome for patients.
The procedure is only possible under strict medical conditions. In these cases, it often involves situations where there are serious medical complications with the fetus or the pregnant woman. A team of specialists carefully assesses each request before a procedure is performed.
The start of this pilot at the OLVG follows years of discussion regarding the boundaries of abortion legislation. Proponents emphasize that women in vulnerable situations have a right to good care close to home. Opponents point to the ethical dilemmas associated with terminating a pregnancy at an advanced stage.
The hospital will closely monitor the results of the pilot. The experiences from this process should clarify whether the provision of late-term abortions can be expanded nationwide in the future. For the time being, the OLVG remains the only hospital in the Netherlands to offer this specific care.