From the annual report from the Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate (IGJ) shows that the number of terminations of pregnancy rose again in 2023. The total number of treatment reached 39,332, a significant increase from the stable figures of around 30,000 in the 2011-2021 period. This increase, started in 2022, is now continuing.

Of the terminations of pregnancy, 93% took place in abortion clinics and 7% in hospitals. The increase cannot be attributed to the "foreign women" category (women without Dutch health insurance). On the contrary, there was a slight decrease of 0.8% in this group compared to 2022. The proportion of foreign women within the total was 8.3%. Most abortions were performed in women aged between 30 and 35 years (23.6%), followed by women aged 20 to 24 years (23.3%). The number of teenage pregnancies remained stable, with 2,783 terminations in women younger than 20 years, of which 107 were in girls under 15 years.

The majority of abortions (70%) took place within the first eight weeks of pregnancy. A total of 87% of the interventions were performed in the first trimester (up to 13 weeks). Only 13% took place in the second trimester. One notable development is that since 1 January 2023, the mandatory reconsideration period has been abolished, possibly affecting the timing of women's decisions.

About a third of the women involved repeated terminations of pregnancy. Nearly 10% involved women with two or more previous treatments. These figures are similar to previous years and highlight the importance of education and access to good contraceptive care. Therefore, a large proportion receive contraceptive care immediately after termination of pregnancy. Correct and consistent use of contraception can play a crucial role in preventing unplanned and repeated pregnancies. The figures underline the need for reliable contraception and targeted education.

Want to understand more about contraceptive use prior to termination of pregnancy? Read Rutgers' comprehensive report here for detailed information.

Sources

IGJ Figures Pregnancy terminations, November 2024

IGJ Annual Report 2023 Termination of Pregnancy Act (Wafz), November 2024

Annex to IGJ Annual Report 2023 Wafz, November 2024