Norway to Extend Abortion Limit to 18 Weeks

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — In a significant policy shift, Norway's government announced plans to relax abortion restrictions for the first time in nearly 50 years, proposing to extend the legal limit for terminations from 12 to 18 weeks of gestation. Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre emphasized that the changes reflect current practices, as most requests for abortions after the 12-week mark are typically granted in hospitals and clinics. He underscored that the right to self-determined abortion is a fundamental value in Norwegian society. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health reported that while the abortion rate has remained historically low, it saw a rise in 2022, with 12,814 terminations performed last year—a 6.7% increase from the previous year. Notably, eight out of ten abortions occur before the ninth week, and the majority are conducted using medication. Vestre noted that societal changes since the 1970s necessitate a reevaluation of existing laws. To enact the proposed changes, the government requires a majority of 85 votes in the 169-member Stortinget, Norway's parliament. Currently, around 80 lawmakers have expressed support for the new law, although a timeline for the vote remains uncertain. The Center Party, part of the governing coalition, advocates for maintaining the 12-week limit, with Family Minister Kjersti Toppe acknowledging the issue as a matter of conscience for party members. This proposal follows Denmark's recent decision to liberalize its abortion laws, allowing procedures up to the 18th week, highlighting a broader trend in the region towards more accessible reproductive rights.