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.
In the Netherlands, an abortion after 22 weeks is generally not permitted unless there are serious medical reasons. Until now, women requiring a procedure during this specific phase could often only go to specialized centers. With this pilot, the OLVG aims to improve care for this group of patients and make it more accessible.
The decision to terminate a pregnancy at this stage is always made after careful consultation between the doctor and the pregnant woman. These late-term procedures often involve serious fetal abnormalities or medical complications for the mother. The hospital emphasizes that they operate according to the strict guidelines established by law for these cases.
The start of this pilot in Amsterdam has elicited various reactions. Proponents believe it is important that women in this difficult situation can receive good care close to home. Opponents point to the ethical questions that arise with late-term abortions. The hospital will closely monitor the results of the pilot to determine whether this care can be offered structurally in the future.