Norway proposes reform to expand abortion rights News
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Norway proposes reform to expand abortion rights

The Norwegian government announced on Friday its proposal to extend the legal period for self-determined abortions from 12 to 18 weeks. The proposal, intended to modernize the Abortion Act of 1978, is aimed at aligning the law with contemporary values and medical practices.

One of the most significant aspects of the proposed law is the extension of the right to self-determined abortion to 18 weeks of gestation. This change would bring Norway in line with other Nordic countries, such as Sweden and Iceland, which have similar extended abortion limits. The proposal also seeks to include fetal reduction in the definition of abortion, allowing women the right to reduce the number of fetuses within the 18-week timeframe provided it is medically justifiable.

Additionally, the proposal includes provisions to strengthen the rights of minors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have a voice in their reproductive decisions. The government also plans to legislate the right to counseling and follow-up care for women who choose to terminate or continue their pregnancies. This move is aimed at providing comprehensive support and information to women during a potentially difficult decision-making process.

Another major component of the proposal is the overhaul of the current abortion tribunal system. The government intends to replace the existing tribunals with newer ones, which will be tasked with evaluating abortion requests after the 18-week limit. These new tribunals will be chaired by a doctor and will have a member with health or social expertise and a member with legal expertise. It will also be ensured that women hold a majority in the tribunals.

The proposed changes are based on recommendations from the Abortion Committee, a public body established in 2022 to review the existing provisions of the Abortion Act. The committee’s report, delivered in December 2023, served as the foundation for this new legislative proposal, which also incorporated over 1,000 consultation inputs from various stakeholders.

The proposal, however, has not been without contention. The Center Party has expressed dissent on two key points, the extension of the self-determined abortion limit from 12 to 18 weeks and the inclusion of fetal reduction as a right within this period. Despite these disagreements, the government remains united in its belief that Norway needs a modernized abortion law that reflects the medical and social realities of today’s society. Health and Care Minister Jan Christian Vestre stated, “Women’s right to self-determined abortion is a fundamental value in Norway.”

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