Inside

Termination of Pregnancy/Abortion in Luxembourg

Information on who to contact and how to proceed in the event of an unwanted pregnancy. Also information on family planning clinics.

Termination of pregnancy (IVG - Interruption Volontaire de Grossesse) is legal in Luxembourg up to 12 weeks from the date of conception provided the woman's health will not be endangered by the procedure. However, there are restrictions and an abortion can only be carried out for one of the following reasons:

To save the life of the pregnant woman
To preserve the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman
If the pregnancy is the result of rape or an act of incest
If the foetus is severely physically or mentally impaired
Economic or social reasons

Under exceptional circumstances (life threatening risk for the mother or the child to be), an abortion may take place after 12 weeks. In these cases two physicians must state in writing that there is a serious risk to the woman's health.

The pregnant woman must obtain a medical certificate confirming she meets at least one of the requirements to be allowed an abortion. The physician issuing this certification cannot be the same doctor who will perform the procedure. The woman receives literature outlining her other alternatives to an abortion. There is then a seven-day period of compulsory "reflection" before the procedure. Prior to undergoing the procedure, the woman must give her written agreement. All abortions must be carried out at a hospital or another facility approved by the Minister of Health.

The consent of the parents, guardians or a judge is required for minors under 18. The partner's consent is not required.

Note: A doctor has the right to refuse to perform an abortion and is only required by law to terminate a pregnancy if the mother's life is in danger.

Cost

The cost of an abortion is reimbursed by the social security.

Emergency Contraception ("Morning-After Pill")

An emergency contraceptive pill (la contraception d'urgence), often referred to as the "morning-after pill", can be obtained with or without prescription from any chemist, or at any Family Planning clinic (Planning Familial). It should be taken as soon as possible and must be taken within five days after unprotected sex.

Abortion Pill

The abortion pill, RU486 is available in Luxembourg for up to 49 days from the first day of the last period. It is a non-surgical method for ending a pregnancy in the early stages and can be obtained by prescription only. The one week period of compulsory "reflection" prior to termination is still required.

Family Planning Clinics in Luxembourg

The Family Planning organisation is responsible for providing information on contraception, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, sexuality, sterility and menopause. There are three clinics in Luxembourg:

Family Planning website (in French)
Centre Dr M.-P. Molitor-Peffer (Head Office)
At: 4 rue G.C. Marshall, L-2181 Luxembourg
Tel: 48 59 76
Fax: 40 02 14
e-mail
Centre d’Esch-sur-Alzette
At: Centre Mercure, 12 rue de l’Alzette, L-4010 Esch-sur-Alzette
Tel: 54 51 51
Fax: 53 15 69
e-mail
Centre d’Ettelbruck
At: 18 avenue J.F. Kennedy, L-9053 Ettelbruck
Tel: 81 87 87
Fax: 81 10 16
e-mail