The Luxembourg government has approved a bill to abolish the mandatory three-day reflection period for abortions and ban virginity certificates and hymenoplasty, marking a significant step forward for women's rights.
The Ministries of Health and Justice announced on Friday evening that the Government Council has approved a bill seeking to strengthen women's rights in Luxembourg by abolishing the mandatory reflection period ahead of an abortion. The bill, which aims at combating practices undermining human dignity, will thus abolish the deadline, currently set at three days.
At the same time, the proposed legislation aims to ban virginity examinations, the issuance of virginity certificates, as well as hymenoplasty, meaning surgical procedures that reconstruct the hymen.
In the joint press release, Health Minister Martine Deprez speaks of "essential measures to advance women's rights", while Justice Minister Elisabeth Margue underlines the government's continued commitment to improving legal protections for women.
The CSV-DP coalition agreement had already included provisions to abolish the mandatory reflection period and ban virginity certificates. These proposed changes further align with demands made by women's rights organisations and the Consultative Human Rights Commission (CCDH).
