Image: Women’s rights campaigners gather outside the Chamber of Deputies ahead of the vote. Credits: Chris Karaba
Large majority in parliament backs amendment to Luxembourg’s highest law, with ‘freedom’ to have an abortion added to Constitution
Out of 60 members in parliament, 56 cast their vote, with proxy votes not allowed for a constitutional amendment. A majority of 48 lawmakers backed the change, with six voting against and two abstaining.
Luxembourg’s left-wing party déi Lénk in 2024 submitted a proposal to the Chamber of Deputies to add the right to an abortion to the Grand Duchy’s constitution. A draft law submitted in May 2025 received the State Council’s approval in June. The proposal was re-worded to become the “freedom” to have an abortion during the legislative process.
Abortion in Luxembourg is available upon request up to the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. Late-term abortions are possible in case of fatal fetal anomalies or severe risks to the mother’s life. Doctors can also refuse to carry out abortions.
Lawmakers had previously scrapped a mandatory counselling session for women seeking an abortion, as well as a mandatory three-day waiting period between a medial consultation and the abortion procedure.
Medical abortions can be carried out by doctors licenced to practice in Luxembourg. The doctor does not have to be a gynaecologist or obstetrician. Medical abortions can also be carried out at a family planning centre.
“We are not deciding on morals or ideology,” said Sam Tanson (déi Gréng), but that the amendment would guarantee a right that generations of women had fought for. A freedom in the constitution would help prevent that national laws in future could once again ban abortions, she said. The amendment will not increase the number of abortions carried out, she said: “We’re not changing anything. We’re securing it.”
“For as long as men feel entitled to women’s bodies and labour, we need International Women’s Day.” Cordula Schnuer, Editor-in-chief, Luxembourg Times. 3 March 2026.
(This article was updated on 4 March 2026 at 12:58 to clarify that Slovenia’s constitution included abortion rights prior to France and Luxembourg’s constitutions allowing the freedom.)