Denmark has officially raised the limit for abortion from 12 to 18 weeks of pregnancy, offering increased autonomy for women and expanded access to resources for young individuals facing unplanned pregnancies.
New Abortion Regulations in Denmark
As of today, Denmark has implemented significant changes to its abortion laws, extending the limit for legal abortions from the 12th week to the 18th week of pregnancy. This reform comes as a result of an agreement reached by the government and various political parties in May 2024, officially passed in a parliamentary vote in April 2025.
In addition to extending the abortion limit, the revised regulations stipulate that individuals aged 15 to 17 can now undergo abortions without the need for parental consent. Furthermore, the five regional abortion councils that previously governed these decisions have been replaced by a national abortion board, streamlining the process and making it more uniform across the country.
Ninna Thomsen, the director of Mødrehjælpen (Mother’s Aid), has expressed strong support for the increase in the abortion limit. She emphasized the importance of allowing women greater self-determination and the ability to consider their options following the 12-week nuchal translucency scan, which many women undergo.
At 12 weeks, most organ systems are formed, and heartbeats can be measured, Thomsen noted, underscoring the significance of allowing women to make informed choices based on their health and circumstances. Up until now, women were often faced with an urgent decision shortly after receiving critical information about their pregnancy.
Setting a Contemporary Standard
This legislation marks the first substantial change to Denmark’s abortion regulations in nearly 50 years, since the country legalized abortion up to the end of the 12th week in 1973. Thomsen commented that it is “about time” to adopt what she calls a contemporary abortion limit, noting that many neighboring Nordic and European countries have already raised their abortion thresholds.
As part of the broader announcement regarding the new abortion law, Mødrehjælpen will receive an ongoing annual allocation of 1.3 million Danish kroner. This funding aims to enhance support services for women contemplating or recovering from abortions by ensuring they have access to guidance and resources before and after the procedure.
According to Thomsen, this much-needed financial support will allow Mødrehjælpen to provide more comprehensive counseling options, ensuring women and their partners can have independent discussions with social workers about their thoughts and feelings regarding abortion.
In 2024, Mødrehjælpen conducted nearly 600 counseling sessions, with 80% occurring before the abortion and the remaining 20% following the abortion for women who were uncertain if they had made the right choice. The new funding will help address the long-standing issue of underfunding in counseling services, allowing for a more robust support system.
Future Implications
In conclusion, Denmark’s decision to extend the abortion limit to 18 weeks reflects a commitment to enhancing women’s reproductive rights and access to care. These progressive measures not only align Denmark with the evolving standards in neighboring countries but also ensure that individuals have the necessary support and resources as they navigate difficult decisions.
With organizations like Mødrehjælpen stepping up to provide tailored, independent counseling services, the country is making strides to guarantee that every woman can make informed choices about her reproductive health, free from unnecessary pressures or constraints.
As Denmark moves forward with these reforms, it sets an example of how legislative changes can positively impact women’s health and well-being, promoting an environment where autonomy is respected, and support is readily available.
