Norwegian Government Proposes Abortion Law Reform

Norway's centre-left government has proposed extending the legal limit for abortions from 12 weeks to 18 weeks, a significant change aimed at enhancing women's rights and aligning with current societal practices. Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre emphasized that this reform reflects the fundamental value of self-determination for women, as almost no one is denied an abortion request after 12 weeks. The proposal, which has sparked internal debates within the governing coalition, particularly with the Centre Party advocating to maintain the 12-week limit, requires 85 votes in parliament to pass, and at least 80 lawmakers are currently expected to support it. Additionally, the new law would allow women to reduce the number of embryos in multiple pregnancies up to 18 weeks, redefining this as an abortion. This legislative effort mirrors similar movements in other countries like Denmark, which has also proposed extending abortion rights. The current Norwegian abortion law was established in 1978 and is viewed as outdated by many, prompting calls for modernization.