Denmark has made a groundbreaking decision to allow women to terminate pregnancies up to 18 weeks after conception, extending the previous limit of 12 weeks. This significant change in legislation, the first of its kind in 50 years, reflects the country’s commitment to reproductive rights.
Moreover, in a move to align with the country’s age of consent, girls over the age of 15 will now have the right to seek an abortion without parental approval. This decision aims to empower young women to make choices about their bodies and futures.
Marie Bjerre, the Minister for Digitization and Gender Equality, emphasized the importance of supporting young women in difficult situations and ultimately respecting their right to decide whether or not to become mothers. The new law also allows women under the age of 18 to access abortions without parental consent.
The amended Health Act, set to take effect on June 1 next year, represents a significant step forward for reproductive rights in Denmark. The country, a pioneer in offering free abortions since 1973, now provides a longer window for women to terminate pregnancies compared to many European nations.
While the number of terminated pregnancies in Denmark has remained stable in recent years, critics like MP Mette Thiesen from the Danish People’s Party have expressed concerns about the new law. Nevertheless, the decision reflects a delicate balance between a woman’s autonomy over her body and the rights of the unborn.
In a global context, Denmark’s progressive stance on abortion follows France’s historic move to constitutionally guarantee women’s right to choose. As the landscape of reproductive rights continues to evolve, these developments mark important milestones in gender equality and bodily autonomy.
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