Denmark’s government has announced a significant change to its abortion laws, allowing women to terminate pregnancies up to the 18th week from the previous 12th week. This marks the first relaxation of abortion restrictions in the country in 50 years. Additionally, girls between the ages of 15 and 17 will now be able to have an abortion without parental consent. The gender equality minister, Marie Bjerre, stated that this move is aimed at strengthening women’s rights and ensuring individual freedom and autonomy over one’s body and life. The decision was made in collaboration with various political parties and is expected to come into force on June 1, 2025.
The health ministry in Denmark highlighted that the previous 12-week limit was set due to the higher risk of complications with abortions performed after that point. With advancements in medical procedures, the government believes it is time to update the laws to reflect current times. Neighboring Sweden, which increased its legal limit to 18 weeks in 1996, reportedly did not see a significant rise in the number of abortions following the change. The three-party center government, along with left-leaning and center parties, reached an agreement on the new abortion rules, which are set to be confirmed through a parliamentary vote.
While the government expects the new law to pass easily given its majority, the decision has faced criticism from certain quarters. Lawmaker Mette Thiesen from an anti-immigration party expressed opposition to the change, citing concerns about the right to life of the fetus at 18 weeks of gestation. However, the health ministry emphasized that the legal age of consent in Denmark is 15, enabling young women to make decisions about their bodies independently. The minister further stated that while support from parents is desirable, ultimately, it is the young woman’s choice whether to proceed with a pregnancy.
The move by Denmark to expand abortion rights comes amid varying stances on the issue across Europe. While abortion is broadly legal in many European countries, it remains a contentious topic in some nations. France made history by enshrining the right to abortion in its constitution, signaling strong support for women’s reproductive rights. In contrast, Poland recently debated liberalizing its restrictive abortion laws, and Germany is considering legalizing the procedure during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Denmark’s decision to extend the abortion limit and allow teenage girls more autonomy over their bodies aligns with a broader trend towards safeguarding women’s rights and reproductive choices across the continent.
The health ministry revealed data showing a stable number of abortions in Denmark in recent years, with around 14,700 medical abortions reported in 2022. The figures indicate that the total number of abortions has remained consistent, with a notable peak recorded in 1975. As the country prepares to implement the new abortion rules in 2025, the government’s focus remains on upholding women’s rights and ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services. The forthcoming changes aim to modernize Denmark’s abortion laws in line with evolving medical practices and societal norms, reflecting a commitment to advancing gender equality and individual freedoms.
