Following the adoption of a government proposal in December 2024, a new abortion law in Norway, which introduces significant changes to abortion regulations, will come into force on 1 June 2025. The law will extend the limit for self-determined abortion (that is, the right to abort without requiring prior authorization from an abortion board) from 12 to 18 weeks of pregnancy, including the reduction of the number of fetuses. For abortions after 18 weeks, specialized committees will replace the current abortion boards to review cases. These new committees will be chaired by a doctor and include health or social care professionals, at least one member with legal expertise, and be composed of a majority of women.
The revised law also aims to strengthen the rights of minors and people with disabilities, and to ensure non-discrimination in decision-making. Medical conditions of the fetus will not be used as a direct basis for granting late-term abortions; instead, decisions will account for the impact of the condition on the pregnancy, birth and upbringing of the child.
The law emphasizes support for women considering abortion, with access to counselling, information and follow-up consultations. It also upholds and formally embeds the right of health professionals to object to abortion on grounds of conscience.
This comprehensive reform seeks to balance the rights of pregnant women with society’s responsibility to protect unborn life, while promoting fairness and transparency in abortion decisions.