Home / Countries / Netherlands / Abortion and contraception

Netherlands · family planning policy

Abortion and contraception rules in The Netherlands

SHAPE classifies family planning and abortion rights in the Netherlands as progressive, combining abortion law and contraception policy.

Progressive framework

Last checked 02/11/2026 · This is information only, not advice or a recommendation.

  • Abortion: Abortion is available on request up to fetal viability in practice; the fixed statutory five-day waiting period was replaced in 2023 by an individualized reflection period.
  • Contraception: EPF's 2026 contraception-policy score is 80.8%; the atlas records partial national coverage with youth support.
  • Interpretation: The status combines legal rules and national policy access; regional availability and individual eligibility may differ.

[Sources: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/countries/ ; https://www.epfweb.org/sites/default/files/2026-02/CCInfoEU_A3_EN_2026_FEB22-HiRes.pdf]

More about the Netherlands

HIV medicinesPrEPDoxyPEPSexuality educationMigrant healthcareFull Netherlands profile

Neighbouring countries

GermanyBelgiumLuxembourgDenmark

Open the interactive map

Based on public, cited sources and SHAPE's review. Rules and prices change, so please confirm with the national authority or a professional. Found an error? Tell us.