Photo: DutchNews.nl
MPs will today debate a Labour party and GroenLinks motion which would remove the compulsory five day wait before women can have an abortion, broadcaster NOS reported on Thursday.
The two parties and womens’ rights groups argue that the five day wait between an initial consultation with a doctor and the operation is both difficult for women and unnecessary.
The wait applies to all women who are more than 16 days pregnant and want an abortion. It was included in Dutch abortion law when the practice became legal in early 1980s and has been controversial ever since.
Religious parties in parliament, and CDA health minister Hugo de Jonge, support the waiting period and this makes it unlikely any action will be taken, even if a majority of MPs vote in favour of the motion, insiders say.