What are the options in case of an unwanted pregnancy in the Netherlands?

Do you have an unwanted pregnancy? Then it is important to be well-informed about the options and related procedures so that each woman can make an informed choice.

The abortion pill

The abortion pill is one of the options that can be considered for an unwanted pregnancy up to 9 weeks. This medicinal method consists of two pills taken at different times. The first pill blocks the hormone progesterone, which is essential for maintaining pregnancy. The second pill, taken one to two days later, causes the uterus to contract, thus rejecting the pregnancy. The abortion pill can be obtained from an abortion clinic or GP and is considered a relatively safe method.

Suction curettage

For pregnancies up to and including 12 weeks, a suction curettage can be performed at Abortion Clinic Amsterdam & Haarlem. This is a surgical procedure in which a suction tube is used to remove the pregnancy. This procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Suction curettage is often performed in abortion clinics, where specialised staff and care are available. However, this method can also be performed in a hospital if necessary, for instance if there are medical complications.

An abortion

In the Netherlands, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, but most procedures take place before 13 weeks. After this 13-week deadline, the methods are more complex and the procedure is performed in an abortion clinic or hospital.

Difference between an abortion clinic and hospital

In the Netherlands, women can choose between an abortion clinic and a hospital. An abortion clinic often offers a more personal and intimate atmosphere, where doctors and staff specialise in termination of pregnancy. Hospitals, on the other hand, offer comprehensive medical care and are especially important if there are complications or if the pregnancy is more advanced. In general, most early pregnancy terminations are performed in clinics, while hospitals are often involved in more complex cases.

Professional care

In the Netherlands, there are several options available to women facing the difficult choice of an abortion. Whether the choice falls on the abortion pill, suction curettage, or a clinic or hospital abortion, it is important that women have the opportunity to make this decision at their own pace and are supported by professional care.