At the end of September 2026, Lisa Vliegenthart, a Pro MP and former midwife, tabled a bill to remove abortion from the Dutch Criminal Code and regulate it under healthcare legislation. The bill keeps existing requirements, including the 24-week limit. Forced abortions and abortions performed by unauthorised persons would remain criminal offences. Our Member Association Rutgers supports the bill, citing its 2023 survey in which 86% of respondents said a woman should be able to decide on abortion herself. Coalition partner VVD said it would wait for the Council of State’s advice, while coalition partner CDA opposes the bill. A similar proposal was rejected in 2023.
SOURCES: Rutgers International ; Dutch News, September 2026