Norway Extends Legal Abortion Limit to 18 Weeks

Norway's parliament has voted to extend the legal limit for abortions from 12 to 18 weeks, marking a significant change to the country's 1978 abortion laws. The new legislation allows women to decide on an abortion up until the 18th week of pregnancy without the need for medical approval.

Supporters of the reform argue that it grants women more autonomy over their bodies and updates an antiquated system. Opponents, including members of the small Christian Democratic Party, have raised ethical concerns about late-stage abortions.

The law also permits women to decide whether to reduce the number of fetuses in the case of a multiple pregnancy up to the 18th week. The change is set to take effect on June 1, 2025.