Abortion
In the Netherlands, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. This means that doctors perform treatments up to 22 weeks of pregnancy. Bloemenhove Clinic Haarlem and Abortion Clinic Amsterdam offer a number of different abortion treatments:
- Abortion pill for pregnancies between 5 and 9 weeks
- Suction curettage for pregnancies between 5 and 12 weeks
- Abortion day treatment for pregnancies between 13 and 17 weeks
- Only in Bloemenhove Clinic Haarlem: abortion day treatment for pregnancies between 18 and 22 weeks
Please use the selection tool to determine which treatment is suitable for you.
“In my opinion there are hundreds of valid, good and important reasons to choose an abortion. Perhaps you just don’t want a child. Or you can’t afford it, your partner doesn’t want it, you have doubts about your relationship or about yourself. You are not ready to be a parent, or on the contrary, your family is complete. You are too young, or too old. It doesn’t fit your career choices. The condom tore, your ovulation calendar was off, your house is too small. Your family rejects your pregnancy. You had an affair. The list is endless. If you are pro-abortion, you are also pro-choice, whatever the reason behind your choice.”
Pregnancy termination
Terminating a pregnancy can be a difficult choice. It is important that you think it through and that the choice is really yours. Take your time and talk to someone you can trust. If you are still not sure what to decide, you can get help and advice at FIOM. FIOM is a Dutch specialist (unbiased) organisation that can support you in making your choice. You may also be able to speak to your GP, a counsellor or social worker in your own country. For extensive information in your own language about sexuality and sex education, please visit the website of Zanzu.
If this happened less than three days ago, you can buy the morning-after pill (Norlevo®) at the chemist’s or pharmacy. You don’t need a doctor’s prescription. The morning-after pill does not offer 100% protection. If your period is more than one week late, take a pregnancy test. You can buy a pregnancy test at the chemist's or pharmacy.
If you had unsafe sex less than 5 days ago, you can also have a copper coil (IUD) fitted in your uterus. It prevents continuation of the pregnancy and prevents a new pregnancy.
If you feel uncertain or find it hard to come to a decision, you can contact FIOM. FIOM is an organisation that offers help with unplanned pregnancy. For a location near you, please check their website at www.fiom.nl. On the day of your treatment, prior to the abortion, you can have an extensive talk with one of our nurses.
No. If you live or work in the Netherlands, you don’t have to pay for the abortion. The costs are fully covered by the Long-term Care Act (Wet Langdurige Zorg; WLZ; a national insurance scheme for exceptional medical expenses). We don’t inform your health insurer about the abortion and no money is deducted from your health insurance’s deductible excess (‘eigen risico’). You remain anonymous.