The annual report of the Termination of Pregnancy Act was released today. It revealed that the number of abortions increased by 10.5% in 2023. A total of 39,332 unborn lives were aborted. This is a shocking increase in the number of abortions.
Since the introduction of the 1984 abortion law, the number of abortions in the Netherlands has never been higher. There is a significant increase in 2023, especially for the first trimester abortions and mainly performed in abortion clinics. In contrast, a decrease is seen in hospitals. Notable is the sharp increase in instrumental abortions, which is significantly more than the 22% increase in medicated abortions (abortion pill). The Health Care and Youth Inspectorate (IGJ) has no explanation for this strong shift.
One possible explanation could lie in the abolition of the mandatory reconsideration period as of Jan. 1, 2023. Previously, 19% of women took a 0-day “reconsideration period”; this percentage increased to 77.5% by 2023. Yet this change does not explain everything, as abortion rates were already rising in 2022, even before the abolition of the reconsideration period.
Why is abortion rising?
Arthur Alderliesten (director of Cry for life/Schreeuw om leven) declared: “These numbers are horrifying and dramatic. It raises many questions about the reason behind this explosive increase. Does it have to do with the current trend of wanting fewer or even no children, perhaps because of climate and future concerns? Is it because of reluctance to use hormonal contraception? Or do the housing crisis and high inflation play a role? Are people missing hope and perspective? I call on the government to research the cause of this increase as well as ways to reverse this trend towards fewer abortions, with more hope and perspective. The unborn child deserves a hopeful future, together with mother and father.”
This troubling rise in abortion numbers challenges us to reconsider the kind of society we want to build—one where life, even in its earliest stages, is met with support, compassion, and opportunity. Beyond statistics, each of these cases reflects personal stories that may be marked by fear, uncertainty, or hardship. To address this issue, we must go beyond policies and look deeper into the underlying factors that drive individuals to this decision. By fostering a society that provides more stability, hope, and meaningful support to both women and unborn children, we can create a future where life is valued and protected. Let us encourage policymakers, communities, and individuals alike to reflect on these trends and work together toward a culture that embraces life and offers every child the chance for a hopeful beginning.
