Belgian Justice minister proposes extending abortion limit to 14 weeks

Belgian Justice minister Annelies Verlinden has proposed extending the legal abortion limit from 12 to 14 weeks, in a move aimed at breaking a long-running political deadlock on the issue.

Under the draft law, women who become pregnant as a result of rape would be allowed to have an abortion up to 18 weeks. The proposal would also shorten the mandatory waiting period between the first consultation and the procedure from six days to two.

Verlinden said the plan strikes a balance between women’s autonomy and the protection of unborn life. She described 14 weeks as her limit and said she would not support a further extension.

The proposal comes as Belgium faces criticism from human rights groups over delays in reforming abortion laws. In its 2025 global human rights report, Amnesty International said Belgium presents itself as a defender of human rights but has not always matched its commitments with action. The organisation highlighted stalled abortion reforms among its domestic concerns.

The governing coalition remains divided on the issue. While some parties support extending the limit to 18 weeks, Verlinden’s party, CD&V, says it will only back the reform if Parliament also expands access to reimbursed contraception.

The proposal will now be discussed by the government before being sent to Parliament.

^{© BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS}