adSep 21, 2026, 16:43

Minister confirms: hospitals to perform late-term abortions

Dutch Minister of Public Health Sophie Hermans confirmed that several hospitals in the Netherlands will begin performing more late-term abortions for pregnancies between 22 and 24 weeks. The initiative is intended to improve domestic care access, though it has faced political criticism from parties like the SGP who view the expansion as concerning.

Minister of Public Health Sophie Hermans has confirmed that several hospitals in the Netherlands are preparing to perform more late-term abortions for pregnancies between 22 and 24 weeks. This initiative, described by the ministry as an exploratory phase rather than a formal pilot program, aims to improve domestic care accessibility so women do not have to travel abroad for these procedures. Participating hospitals are not being forced to perform the surgeries, and staff members are permitted to opt out based on personal objections. While the government maintains that this does not constitute a legal change, the move has sparked controversy among political parties like the SGP, which characterizes the initiative as a significant expansion of abortion practices.

While the government has not publicly disclosed the names of all participating institutions, the OLVG hospital in Amsterdam has confirmed its involvement in exploratory discussions. Minister Hermans emphasized that these procedures, limited to approximately four per hospital, are intended to help staff gain experience under professional guidance within the framework of existing Dutch abortion laws.

Politics Health Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Health Minister Hermans after SGP motion: Parties are attacking abortion rights, I will continue to defend them

Health Minister Sophie Hermans is facing criticism and a motion of disapproval from the SGP for refusing to stop an exploration into abortion procedures performed between 22 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. Hermans maintains that the project is legal and necessary, despite the political fallout that threatens the SGP's support for the government's budget.

Cabinet wants to scrap tax deduction for uninsured medical expenses, Parliament impatient for alternative

The Dutch government intends to abolish tax deductions for non-insured medical expenses by 2028, a move that currently impacts 900,000 households. The House of Representatives has expressed significant frustration, demanding a concrete compensation plan for chronically ill and disabled citizens before supporting the measure.

Concerns over ending emergency care in Hoofddorp? Information evening draws few visitors

The Spaarne Gasthuis hospital plans to centralize 24-hour emergency care in Haarlem-Zuid by 2033, effectively closing the emergency department in Hoofddorp. Despite significant public and political backlash regarding travel times, a recent information evening in Hoofddorp drew very few attendees.

Anti-smoking foundation loses final ruling on 'cheating cigarettes'

The Dutch Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal has ruled against the anti-smoking organization Rookpreventie Jeugd regarding their request to change cigarette testing methods. The court determined that tobacco manufacturers are legally bound to use the established measurement standard, effectively dismissing claims about so-called cheat cigarettes. The foundation expressed disappointment, noting that the ruling avoids addressing the health risks associated with how filters affect smoke intake.

Veilig Thuis overwhelmed by reports of domestic violence and child abuse

The Dutch reporting center Veilig Thuis is overwhelmed by a significant surge in cases of domestic violence and child abuse, leading to dangerous delays in providing assistance. Experts are calling for legislative reforms and the establishment of unified local teams to simplify the current fragmented support system and ensure families receive timely help.