In the Netherlands, women may in certain circumstances terminate a pregnancy within 24 weeks of conception. Under the Termination of Pregnancy Act, this may only take place in a hospital or clinic licensed for this purpose. The aim of this Act is to balance two potentially conflicting interests: it seeks on the one hand to protect the life of the unborn child and on the other to help women who are in a difficult position as a result of an unwanted pregnancy. The aim is to ensure that any decision to terminate pregnancy is given careful consideration, and that a termination is performed only if the womanís circumstances leave no alternative. No-one is under any obligation to assist in performing an abortion.
