Abortion in Belgium was fully legalised on 4 April 1990, following the temporary resignation of King Baudouin on grounds of conscience.[1]
The procedure is legal until 12 weeks after conception (14 weeks after the pregnant woman's last menstrual period).[2][3] The pregnant woman is required to receive counselling at least six days prior to the abortion and to check in with her doctor to monitor her health in the weeks after the procedure.[3] Later abortions are permitted if there is a serious risk to the woman's health or if a risk of birth defects is identified in the unborn child.[3]