OLVG starts pilot for late-term abortions between 22 and 24 weeks
The OLVG hospital in Amsterdam has started a pilot 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, the subject remains very sensitive in society.
Until now, it was difficult for many women in this situation to receive help in the Netherlands. Many hospitals did not perform these specific procedures, which sometimes forced women to travel abroad for medical assistance. With this pilot, the OLVG aims to improve care for this group of patients and offer it closer to home.
The decision to terminate a pregnancy at this late stage is always made after careful medical examination. Often, there are serious fetal abnormalities or a medical necessity for the mother's health. Doctors and ethicists closely monitor this process to ensure that all legal requirements are met.
The hospital emphasizes that the procedure is subject to strict rules. The pilot is being used to determine how care surrounding these procedures can best be organized. The results of this pilot will determine in the future whether more hospitals in the Netherlands will offer this care.