© Lynn Cruchten / RTL
The LSAP is advocating for an extension of the legal abortion period from 12 to 14 weeks. The goal is to empower women to make decisions about their own bodies, combat discrimination, and enhance medical and psychological support for those affected.
Currently, abortion is only allowed beyond the 12th week if the embryo has severe abnormalities or if the pregnancy poses significant health risks to the mother. However, Taina Bofferding, parliamentary group leader of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), argues that abortion is entirely a private matter. Her remarks follow Tuesday’s confirmation that the abortion limit will remain at 12 weeks, effectively rejecting a proposed extension to 14 weeks.
"No institution, no organisation, and not even the state should have a right to interfere. What matters to us, is that women are supported throughout the decision-making process, that they receive neutral counselling, have access to the procedure, and that the process is as seamless as possible. Ensuring they get the necessary help is essential for us – it's a matter of self-determination," says Bofferding.
The LSAP argues that unwanted pregnancies are often detected late, and many women need more time to make such an important decision. Maxime Miltgen, president of Femmes Socialistes, suggests that the legal timeframe for abortion could be extended beyond the current 14 weeks:
“This would give women more time, eliminate the need to travel abroad after the deadline, and allow them to wait for test results on rare diseases. Women would then have the opportunity to make a well-informed decision once they have all the necessary information. Additionally, those who realise their pregnancy later would have the time they need to consider their options."
However, Dr Pit Duschinger, president of the Luxembourg Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (SLGO), does not fully accept the arguments put forth by the socialists, and explains why the SLGO opposes extending the abortion deadline:
“First, there are ethical concerns, particularly regarding the non-invasive prenatal test, which we can already offer in the 12th week. This raises the risk of gender-based abortions if parents decide to terminate based on the baby’s sex – for instance, in the case when a couple who already has two boys finds out they are expecting a third, and then opts for an abortion. Additionally, the risks associated with the procedure increase with each additional week, including potential injuries and post-procedure bleeding.”
Luxembourg’s current law permits exceptions to the abortion deadline only when the pregnancy poses a serious risk to the health or life of the pregnant woman or if the unborn child has severe abnormalities.
Health Minister Martine Deprez stated that the Christian Social People's Party (CSV)-Democratic Party (DP) coalition agreement only includes the removal of the mandatory three-day reflection period. Extending the abortion deadline beyond 12 weeks is not currently on the government’s agenda.
Nonetheless, the LSAP continues to pressure for change and sees it as essential to safeguard the right to abortion. The party is therefore advocating for its inclusion the national constitution.
Additionally, the socialists suggest introducing a so-called 'offence of obstruction' law, which would criminalise actions that obstruct a woman's voluntary decision to have an abortion. Gynecologists remain opposed to this initiative.
