Am I allowed to have an abortion in Norway?
Yes — you decide yourself on an abortion up to and including pregnancy week 18. The new Abortion Act, which took effect 1 June 2025, extended self-determination from week 12 to week 18. From week 18 to week 22 a board must assess the request, and abortion is not allowed after the foetus is viable (after week 21+6). The abortion is free in the public health service. You need no referral and can contact the hospital directly. The decision is yours alone — no one else needs to approve it.
📋 The rules
- Self-determination up to and including week 18
- New Abortion Act in force 1 June 2025 (extended from week 12)
- From week 18 to 22: a board assesses the request
- Not allowed after the foetus is viable (after 21+6)
- The abortion is free in the public health service
🔓 Exceptions
- From week 18 a board decision is required
- You need no referral and can contact the hospital directly
- The decision is yours alone — no partner or relative need approve
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Performing an abortion outside the law's framework (by an unqualified person or past the limits) is punishable for the person performing it. The pregnant person is never punished.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Up to which week do I decide myself?
You decide yourself up to and including pregnancy week 18 under the new Abortion Act from 1 June 2025.
What changed in 2025?
Self-determination was extended from week 12 to week 18 when the new Abortion Act took effect on 1 June 2025.
What happens after week 18?
A board must assess the request, and abortion is not allowed after the foetus is viable.
What does an abortion cost?
The abortion is free in the public health service.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact the hospital directly, and the decision is yours alone.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “am I allowed an abortion norway”
- “abortion week 18 self-determined”
- “new abortion act 2025 norway”
- “abortion board week 18”
- “abortion free norway”
- “abortion referral norway”