As of Jan. 1, 2023, the mandatory minimum reflection period (which applies if you are more than 6 weeks and 2 days pregnant) for terminating your pregnancy will expire.
This means that if you report to us because you want to terminate your pregnancy, you are no longer required to think about it for at least 5 days.
Starting Jan. 1, 2023, the doctor will consult with you about what reflection time you need to reach a well-considered decision. That reflection period may be shorter than 5 days, which means it may be possible for the termination to take place on the same day. The reflection period may also be longer than 5 days.
Implications for referral letter
It is already not necessary to first go to your (family) doctor to get a referral for an abortion, you can always make an appointment directly with us. This will not change with this change in the law either.
Until December 31, 2022, a referral letter can still serve as the start of the reconsideration period (which applies if you are more than 6 weeks and 2 days pregnant). This reflection period starts from the moment you report to a doctor or general practitioner, who includes the date of that first visit in the referral letter.
Because this mandatory minimum reflection period will expire as of Jan. 1, a referral letter for that reason will then no longer be required.