🏥 Can I get an abortion?

With conditions

Quick answer

Yes, a voluntary termination of pregnancy is allowed in Belgium, but within clear conditions. On request, abortion is possible up to 12 weeks after conception (14 weeks of pregnancy), under the law of 15 October 2018. A mandatory 6-day reflection period applies between your first request and the procedure, which is carried out by a physician in a care institution with an information and counselling service. Beyond 12 weeks it is possible only for serious medical reasons (danger to your health, or a very serious, incurable condition of the unborn child), with a second physician's agreement. A physician or nurse may refuse, but must then refer you to another physician or a centre. Note: there are proposals to extend the limit to 18 weeks and shorten the reflection period, but as of July 2026 they are not adopted — the 2018 rules apply.

📋 The rules

On request, allowed up to 12 weeks after conception (14 weeks of pregnancy) — law of 15 October 2018
Mandatory 6-day reflection period between the first request and the procedure
By a physician, in a care institution with an information and counselling service
Beyond 12 weeks, only for serious medical reasons, with a second physician's agreement
A physician may refuse (conscientious objection), but must refer you
As of July 2026, no reform: the 18-week/48-hour proposals are not in force

🔓 Exceptions

If your first consultation is less than 6 days before the deadline, the deadline is extended accordingly
The institution must inform you about your rights, support, adoption and psychosocial counselling

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Within the legal conditions, abortion is not punishable. Someone who terminates a pregnancy outside those conditions on a consenting woman, or impedes access to a centre, remains punishable (art. 3 of the law). This topic can be sensitive; for questions or support you can turn to your (family) doctor or a family-planning centre.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Until when is abortion possible on request?

Up to 12 weeks after conception (14 weeks of pregnancy). After that, only for serious medical reasons, with a second physician's agreement.

Do I have to observe a reflection period?

Yes, a mandatory 6-day reflection period applies between your first request and the procedure. If your first consultation is too close to the deadline, it is extended accordingly.

Can a physician refuse?

Yes, on conscientious grounds. But the physician must tell you at the first visit and refer you to another physician or a centre, and transfer your file.

Is the limit changing to 18 weeks?

There are proposals to extend the limit and shorten the reflection period, but as of July 2026 they are not adopted. The 2018 law's rules (12 weeks, 6 days) still apply.

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