adSep 28, 2026, 09:12

PRO aims to remove abortion from criminal law again

PRO Member of Parliament Lisa Vliegenthart has introduced a bill to remove abortion from the Penal Code, arguing that the procedure should be treated strictly as medical care. The proposal seeks to eliminate Article 296, while protesters gathered in The Hague to show their support for the legislative change.

On the International Day of Safe Abortion, PRO Member of Parliament Lisa Vliegenthart introduced a proposal to remove abortion from the Penal Code. Building on a previous initiative by Corinne Ellemeet, Vliegenthart argues that abortion is a form of medical care rather than a criminal act. The proposal specifically targets Article 296 of the Dutch Penal Code, which currently makes abortion punishable outside of authorized clinics or hospitals. By reclassifying the procedure as standard healthcare, proponents aim to ensure that rigorous quality and safety standards remain in place while removing legal stigma. Supporters gathered for a protest in front of the House of Representatives in The Hague to advocate for these changes. Meanwhile, the political landscape remains divided on the issue, as some parties demand restrictions while others push for further liberalization. Previous attempts to amend the law have faced significant debate within the government, but supporters believe the current political climate provides a critical opportunity to move this legislation forward.

Politics Netherlands

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Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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