Hansard

Abortions

Volume 111: debated on Wednesday 25 February 1987

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Mr. David Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the maximum number of weeks pregnancy by which an abortion may be carried out in each of the member states of the European Community.

Mr. Newton

I understand that abortion may be carried out in each of the member states of the European Community as follows:

Belgium

  • The law forbids abortion at any gestational age.

Denmark

  • 1. On request up to 12 weeks.
  • 2. On medical, socio-economic and eugenic grounds after 12 weeks.

    • Eire

    • The law forbids abortion at any gestational age.

    France

    • On request up to 10th week of pregnancy.

    Germany (Federal Republic of)

  • 1. On medical grounds irrespective of the duration of the pregnancy.
  • 2. On eugenic grounds up to 22 weeks.
  • 3. On social/psychological grounds up to 12 weeks.

    • Greece

  • 1. Up to 12 weeks in cases of risk to mental health.

    • Up to 20 weeks for eugenic reasons.

    Note: legislation to allow abortions on request is pending.

    Italy

    • On medical and socio-economic grounds up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

    Luxembourg

    • Up to 12 weeks of pregnancy on eugenic, medical and ethical grounds.

    Netherlands

    • On request prior to viability of fetus.

    Portugal

    • On eugenic, medical and ethical grounds up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

    Spain

  • 1. To save the life of the woman or for her psychological wellbeing.
  • 2. If pregnancy is due to rape.
  • 3. If fetus is not of human form, provided the abortion takes place within 22 weeks of gestation.