Denmark abortion rates increase after gestational limit expansion

Following the expansion of abortion rights in Denmark, data from the Danish Health Data Authority shows a significant increase in procedures performed after the 12th week of pregnancy. The limit for elective abortion was raised from the end of the 12th week to the end of the 18th week on June 1, 2025.

Between June 2025 and May 2026, 537 induced abortions were performed after the 12th week, compared to 364 during the previous year. While the total number of abortions remained relatively stable at approximately 16,575, the number of procedures occurring after the 12th week rose by about 47 percent.

Olav Bennike Bjørn Petersen, a professor and senior physician at Rigshospitalet, stated that this shift is expected. He noted that the change aligns with the timing of first-trimester scans, which are offered to all pregnant individuals between the 11th and 14th weeks to screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. The data suggests more individuals are waiting for these scan results before making a decision.