The abortion pill and abortion in the Netherlands: what can you expect?

A pregnancy can happen unexpectedly. If you decide that you do not wish to continue with the pregnancy, you can access professional abortion care in the Netherlands. There are various treatment options available. Which treatment is most suitable depends, amongst other things, on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

How does the abortion pill work?

The abortion pill is a medical treatment and can be used in early pregnancy. In the Netherlands, medical termination of pregnancy is possible up to and including 8 weeks’ gestation. The treatment consists of two types of medication. The first medication brings the pregnancy to a halt. The second medication causes the womb to contract, resulting in the expulsion of the pregnancy tissue.

Physically, the treatment is similar to a miscarriage. You may experience symptoms such as bleeding and abdominal pain. A doctor will discuss with you in advance what to expect and what aftercare is required.

Incidentally, the abortion pill is different from the morning-after pill. The morning-after pill prevents or reduces the risk of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse, whereas the abortion pill terminates an existing pregnancy.

Abortion in the Netherlands

Abortion is legal in the Netherlands. You can seek this treatment at an abortion clinic, from a GP or at a hospital. A GP can prescribe the abortion pill up to and including 8 weeks’ pregnancy, but not every GP offers this treatment. You can book an appointment directly with an abortion clinic and do not need a referral from your GP.

As well as the abortion pill, other treatments are available. For example, up to and including 12 weeks’ pregnancy, a vacuum aspiration can be performed. For more advanced pregnancies, other medical treatments are possible. You should discuss with a doctor which option is suitable for you.

For people living or working in the Netherlands, the costs are generally not borne by the patient. This is because abortion Netherlands is funded by the government.

Where can you go for abortion care?

For professional and personalised support, you can contact Abortion Care Europe. The organisation has an abortion clinic in Amsterdam and a branch in the Haarlem region, in Heemstede. In Amsterdam, abortion is available up to 17 weeks’ pregnancy and in Haarlem up to 22 weeks.

Would you like to know more about the abortion pill, other treatments or the options for abortion in the Netherlands? You can contact the Abortion Care clinics in Amsterdam and Haarlem for information, support and a treatment that suits your situation.