Termination of Pregnancy/Abortion in Belgium

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Termination of Pregnancy/Abortion in Belgium

In 1990 a law was approved liberalising abortion in Belgium.

Termination of pregnancy (IVG, Interruption Volontaire de Grossesse) is legal in Belgium up to 12-weeks after conception. There is a six day period of compulsory "reflection" prior to termination. Abortions can be carried out at certain family planning centres or hospitals - the cost is slightly lower at family planning centres. It is compulsory for the woman to see the doctor two to three weeks after the termination of pregnancy to check her health, at which time the doctor will also discuss contraception options.

In certain cases it is possible to terminate a pregnancy more than 12 weeks after conception, but only if the woman's life is in danger or if the foetus shows signs of severe and incurable illness or disability.

Women should take the following papers to the doctors, hospital or family planning clinic:

• Proof of identity
• Social security card
• Blood group card (if available, if not a test will be carried out)
• Ultrasound/scan (if available)

The abortion pill

The abortion pill, RU486, is available in Belgium and given until up to 49 days of amenorrhoea (therefore seven weeks since the first day of the last period). It is a non-surgical method for ending a pregnancy in the early stages. It can be obtained from family planning centres or from gynaecologists.

Family Planning Centres Belgium

The Fédération Laïque de Centres de Planning Familial (FLCPF) has 42 family planning centres in Brussels and Wallonia serving the French-speaking Community.

• FLCPF
  At: 44 Rue Jean Deraeck, 1150 Brussels
  Tel: 02 502 82 03
  Fax: 02 502 56 13
  Website (in French)
• To find a local family planning centre: Click here

The Centrale Coordinatie van de Nederlandstalige Abortuscentra (CCNAC) serves the Dutch-speaking community and provides contact details for abortion centres in Flanders and Brussels.

• To find a local centre: Click here

Further Information

• Women on Waves has a list of useful address and contacts for all of Belgium: Click here
• For comprehensive information on abortion laws in Belgium: Click here (PDF in French)