Denmark’s coalition government announced its intention to lower the age limit from 18 to 15.so that adolescents can terminate a pregnancy without parental consent.
The Minister for Equality, the liberal Marie Bjerre, advanced the decision on the day that marks the 50th anniversary of the decriminalization of abortion in Denmark and stated that it is “natural” to debate whether the regulations establish an “adequate balance”.
“The legal age for sexual intercourse is 15 years. It is also 15 years to be able to consent to treatment in the health system. That is why we believe that it is correct that an abortion can be done between the ages of 15 and 17 without having to involve the parents,” she added.
The government wants to relax the law on abortion in Denmark so that girls aged 15 to 17 can have an abortion without parental consent, Equality Minister Marie Bjerre announced on Wednesday. https://t.co/PCflVpryl7
— The Local Denmark (@TheLocalDenmark) May 24, 2023
Bjerre admitted that terminating a pregnancy is not an “easy choice” and that it is important that young women in this situation seek support in their environment. and turn to trusted people, such as friends, siblings or teachers, for example.
“It is a very difficult choice. But it is not a parental choice. It belongs to the young woman, since it deals with her own body and her own life, ”she asserted.
The age limit for terminating a pregnancy without parental consent has not changed since Denmark introduced free abortion up to 12 weeks gestation in 1973.
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