Belgian Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden has proposed extending the legal limit for abortions from 12 to 14 weeks. It is an effort to break the long-term political deadlock on this issue in the country, informs the Belga agency, writes TASR. Under the proposed law, women who become pregnant as a result of rape could have an abortion up to the 18th week. The legislation also shortens the mandatory waiting period between the first consultation and the procedure from six to two days.
Verlinden said that the proposal seeks to achieve a balance between women’s free decision-making and the protection of the unborn child. She added that she considers 14 weeks to be her maximum limit and will not support further extension. The proposal comes as Belgium is criticized by human rights organizations for delays in reforming abortion legislation.
In its report on global human rights for 2025, Amnesty International stated that this Benelux country presents itself as a defender of human rights, but it does not always fulfill its obligations, and it also included stagnant reforms in the field of artificial abortion among the problematic ones. However, the government coalition is divided on this issue. While some parties support extending the limit to 18 weeks, the Flemish Christian Democrats (CD&V), which includes Verlinden, will support the proposal only if the parliament also expands the reimbursement of contraception.
Abortions up to the 12th week, with a mandatory six-day cooling-off period, were legalized in the country in 1990.
