Denmark has officially extended the legal limit for free abortion from the 12th to the 18th week of pregnancy, following a vote in the Folketinget (the Danish Parliament) on May 3, 2024. The new legislation, backed by a broad parliamentary majority (74 votes in favor and 29 against), marks the first major update to Denmark’s abortion rules in over 50 years.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (Socialdemokratiet) celebrated the decision, stating, “While other countries are taking a step back, we are moving forward.” Health Minister Sophie Løhde (Venstre) emphasized that “there is no medical basis for the previous limit,” and assured that extending the timeframe would not result in a significant increase in the number of abortions.
New abortion rules empower minors and unify national practice
In addition to extending the abortion limit, the reform includes significant changes aimed at enhancing women’s autonomy and legal consistency across the country:
- 15- to 17-year-olds will now have the right to obtain an abortion without parental consent.
- The five regional abortion councils (“abortsamråd”) will be replaced by a new national abortion board (“nationalt abortnævn”), aiming to ensure consistent practices nationwide.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Health, these changes will be incorporated into the Danish Health Act (“sundhedsloven”) and will come into effect on June 1, 2025.
Context: Denmark strengthens abortion rights amid global rollback
While several countries worldwide are witnessing restrictions on abortion rights, Denmark is moving decisively in the opposite direction. Former equality Minister Marie Bjerre (Venstre) in 2024 described the move as “a historic day for women’s equality,” reinforcing that “the right to free abortion is fundamental for women’s lives and opportunities.”
The decision follows recommendations from Etisk Råd (the Danish Council on Ethics), which in September 2023 supported raising the abortion limit. A majority of its members argued that extending the limit would give women more time to consider their options, particularly after the first-trimester screening around the 12th week.
Medical safety and implications for pregnancies
Data from Sundhed.dk shows that by the 12th week, a fetus measures about 6-7 centimeters and weighs between 14 and 20 grams. At the 18th week, it reaches approximately 18 centimeters and 230 grams. Advances in medical technology and the prevalence of early medical abortions have significantly improved safety outcomes, and according to authorities, abortion after the 12th week remains medically safe in Denmark.
Broad political agreement, but not unanimous
The reform was agreed upon by the governing coalition (Socialdemokratiet, Venstre, Moderaterne) along with SF, Enhedslisten, De Radikale, and Alternativet. Meanwhile, Liberal Alliance and De Konservative supported only the creation of the new national abortion board but opposed the extension of the abortion limit.
This major shift reflects Denmark’s continued commitment to upholding women’s rights, adapting legislation to contemporary standards, and ensuring greater consistency and autonomy in reproductive health decisions.
