Pregnancy · Ages 13–17

If you are considering abortion.

If a pregnancy test is positive, there are several possible next steps. You have the right to information, healthcare and support in making your own choice.

You do not have to decide the moment you find out you are pregnant. You can first find out how far along the pregnancy is, what options you have and whose support you would like.

Important things to know

Your rights and choices

If your pregnancy test is positive

A positive pregnancy test usually means that you are pregnant. The test detects a hormone your body produces during pregnancy, called hCG. You can speak to healthcare professionals about what the result means and the choices available to you.

You make the decision

It is your choice whether to request an abortion. Nobody is allowed to force you to have an abortion. You can make this decision yourself up to the end of the 18th week of pregnancy. After that, an abortion board must assess the request according to the law.

Abortion on request up to week 18

You can decide for yourself whether to have an abortion up to and including 17 weeks and 6 days. This is the end of the 18th week of pregnancy. The weeks are counted from the first day of your last period. The hospital will assess how far along the pregnancy is. Contact the hospital early so you understand the time available.

You can contact a hospital directly

If you want an abortion, you do not need a referral from your GP. You can contact a hospital with a gynaecology department directly. For an abortion on request, you also do not have to explain why you want one.

If you are under 16

You decide for yourself whether to have an abortion even if you are under 16. As a general rule, your parents or others with parental responsibility should receive information from the healthcare service. Tell the healthcare professional if you want the information to stay between you. They will assess your reasons. When there are valid grounds to withhold the information, your wishes must be respected.

If you are 16 or older

From age 16, you generally decide about your own healthcare and who receives information. Until you turn 18, your parents must nevertheless receive information necessary for them to fulfil their responsibilities for you. You should be told when this happens. Healthcare professionals can explain the rules that apply to you.

There are different ways to carry out an abortion

An abortion can be carried out using medication or a surgical procedure. Until the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, you can take part in choosing the method. After that, medication is used. The hospital will explain the methods and assess with you what is suitable.

You can get advice before deciding

You can speak with a GP, school nurse, youth health clinic or hospital. You can also get counselling if you are unsure what you want.

Where do you start?

You only need to take the first step

If you do not know what you want

You can ask for information before making a decision. You can ask questions about continuing a pregnancy, abortion and other available support.

If you know you want an abortion

You can contact a hospital with a gynaecology department directly. A GP or school nurse can also help you make contact if you wish.

If you are worried about what others may say

You can ask about confidentiality before saying more

The rules differ before and after you turn 16. If you are unsure, you can ask healthcare professionals to explain exactly what, if anything, your parents may be told.

Read about your healthcare rights

Would you like to tell someone?

Get help finding the words

You can create a short message to say, show or send to someone you trust, a school nurse or doctor.

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Sources

The information has been checked against current public healthcare sources.