The issue of abortion rights has resurfaced in the federal parliament of Belgium as of early April 2025, sparking a renewed debate on the legal deadline for voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG). Currently, Belgian law mandates that abortions must occur before the end of the 12th week following conception, which translates to 14 weeks after the last menstrual period. In a significant move, several political parties, including the PS, Ecolo, DéFI, and the PTB, are advocating for an extension of this deadline to 18 weeks.
Historically, the question of abortion has faced considerable resistance, particularly from the Christian Democratic parties. However, a shift appears to be underway. The former president of the Engagés, Maxime Prévot, had previously expressed openness to discussing an extended deadline. His successor, Yvan Verougstraete, has taken this stance further, stating on April 18, 2025, that he personally supports extending the legal timeframe for abortions.
Verougstraete emphasized, "We will always be on the side of those who fight for women to have the freedom to control their bodies as they wish." He also noted that within Les Engagés, there is a freedom of vote concerning ethical issues, acknowledging that members may have diverse personal experiences regarding abortion. This freedom is enshrined in the party's manifesto, reflecting a commitment to individual autonomy on such sensitive matters.
In a related discussion, a special broadcast highlighted the dangers associated with clandestine abortions and the various methods employed to terminate unwanted pregnancies. This segment featured testimonies from women in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burkina Faso, illustrating the severe risks they face when seeking illegal abortions. These narratives underscore the pressing need for accessible and safe abortion services, particularly in regions where such procedures remain heavily restricted.
Across Africa, the landscape of abortion rights is starkly limited. The continent is characterized by some of the most restrictive laws regarding IVG, with only five countries permitting the procedure: Tunisia since 1973, South Africa and Cape Verde since 1997, Mozambique since 2014, and Benin, which updated its laws in 2024 to allow for broader access to abortion services.
Despite these legal barriers, it is estimated that over 1.5 million African women resort to clandestine abortions annually. This alarming statistic highlights the dire circumstances many women face, often jeopardizing their health and lives by resorting to unsafe methods, such as ingesting toxic substances or using dangerous instruments.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where poverty levels reach 73.5% according to the World Bank, the issue of clandestine abortions poses a significant public health crisis. The lack of sexual and reproductive education, coupled with social pressures, drives many young women to seek illegal abortions, often with devastating consequences.
In contrast, Benin has made notable strides in recent years. The country has enacted significant legal reforms concerning IVG, moving away from a restrictive framework established in 2003 to a more comprehensive legal structure that was solidified with new decrees and regulations in 2021. However, despite these advancements, discussions surrounding abortion remain taboo, complicating efforts to foster open dialogue on the subject.
In Europe, the situation varies widely from one country to another, shaped by differing cultural and historical contexts. Currently, 25 out of the 27 EU member states recognize the right to abortion without conditions. The maximum time frame for obtaining an abortion varies significantly, ranging from 10 weeks in Portugal to 24 weeks in the Netherlands. France notably became the first country to enshrine the right to abortion in its constitution in 2024, reflecting a growing recognition of reproductive rights.
Germany presents a more complex picture. Although voluntary termination of pregnancy has been illegal since 1973, the law has provisions that allow for abortions within the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, provided that a counseling session occurs beforehand. This paradoxical legal framework means that while the procedure is technically prohibited, it is still accessible under certain conditions, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding reproductive rights in the country.
In Cologne, Gabriella Stöcker, a gynecologist at Pro Familia, a counseling center, provides support to women navigating their pregnancy choices, whether they choose to continue or terminate their pregnancies. Her work emphasizes the critical role of counseling in ensuring that women receive the necessary guidance and support during such a pivotal time in their lives.
The ongoing debates surrounding abortion rights, both in Belgium and globally, reveal a complex interplay of legal, social, and ethical considerations. As various political parties in Belgium push for changes to the existing laws, advocates for women's rights continue to stress the importance of safe and legal access to abortion services. The testimonies from women in Africa serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of restrictive policies and the urgent need for comprehensive reproductive health services.
As the discussion evolves, it remains crucial for lawmakers and society to consider the implications of these policies on women's health and autonomy. The future of abortion rights in Belgium and beyond will depend on the willingness of leaders to engage with these challenging issues and prioritize the well-being of women.
