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Abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy — you still have a choice

You found out about the pregnancy late. Or something changed — test results, your circumstances, your health. Week 12 has passed and it feels as though your options are closing. They are not. At Stadskliniek Utrecht we carry out procedures up to 22 weeks — for any woman, with no need to give a reason.

In brief
  • Legal up to 22 weeks of pregnancy in the Netherlands
  • Instrumental D&E, local or general anaesthesia
  • Requires the cervix to be prepared beforehand
  • Home the same day in most cases

Last updated: July 18, 2026

Why the Netherlands

After 12 weeks, the Netherlands is often the only option

Germany and Czechia

On request only up to 12 weeks. Beyond that, specific medical grounds are required — which most women travelling from abroad cannot meet.

You arrange travel, accommodation and interpreting yourself.

Austria and Slovakia

A limit of 12 weeks on request. Past that point you need approval from a medical board or health-related grounds.

No language support on site.

YOUR OPTION

The Netherlands — Stadskliniek Utrecht

Legal abortion up to 22 weeks on request — no reason required, no partner's consent, wherever you live.

Everything arranged: care and the follow-up check are included in the price, with transport from Poland available as an option.

What the procedure involves

Safely, under anaesthesia, in specialist hands

You sleep — you feel nothing

A short general anaesthetic. You drift off calmly and wake in the recovery room in a nurse's care.

15–25 minutes

The procedure itself is short. The full stay at the clinic is 3–5 hours — most patients travel home the same day.

An experienced team

The clinic has been running since 1970 (over 55 years of experience), with a 99.9% success rate and a working relationship with UMC Utrecht.

99,9%procedure success rate
3–5 htotal time at the clinic
13–22weeks of pregnancy — range
Treatment room — abortion after 12 weeks at Stadskliniek Utrecht
Hospital-grade conditions

A modern treatment room, sterile throughout, with full monitoring

Second-trimester procedures are carried out in hospital-grade conditions — with an anaesthetist, continuous monitoring of your vital signs, and a recovery room where you wake in a nurse's care.

Step by step

The whole trip in about 20–24 hours

This timing applies to trips using the optional transport from Poland arranged by the clinic.

Contact and appointment

We answer your questions and book your appointment — usually within 2–5 days. Together you agree a pick-up point.

Transport from Poland (optional)

A driver collects you from the agreed pick-up point in Poland. The journey takes 8–10 hours in a comfortable vehicle.

Ultrasound and consultation

The doctor performs the scan and talks you through what will happen, step by step.

The procedure — you sleep

A short general anaesthetic. You wake 15–25 minutes later in the team's care.

Rest

Tea, something to eat and a preventive antibiotic. Staff check how you feel and take your blood pressure.

The journey home

The driver takes you back to Poland the same day. You leave with aftercare instructions and your medical documents.

Preparation

What to bring

Procedures after 12 weeks come with additional documentation requirements.

Required documents

An ultrasound — no more than 7 days oldShowing the BPD and FL measurements (they appear on the scan report).
ID card or passportNo doctor's referral is needed.

Practical things

Comfortable, loose clothing and slippersPlus large sanitary pads.
Something to eat and drink for the journey homePayment is by cash at the clinic only.

Full preparation guide →

Week by week

Abortion at 13, 15, 18 or 21 weeks — what does it look like?

The procedure is possible in every week from 13 to 22. Open your range to see the details.

Abortion at 13–14 weeks of pregnancy
The start of the second trimester. The instrumental procedure (D&E) takes about 15 minutes and is performed under sedation or a short general anaesthetic — you sleep and feel nothing. Time at the clinic: about 3 hours. You need photo ID and a recent ultrasound (no older than 7 days) showing BPD and FL. You travel home the same day.
Abortion at 15–17 weeks of pregnancy
The standard range for a D&E at our Utrecht clinic — carried out every week by doctors with thirty years of practice. The procedure takes 15–20 minutes under general anaesthetic. Time at the clinic: 3–4 hours, including rest in a nurse's care. A recent ultrasound with BPD and FL is required. In Germany, Czechia, Austria and Slovakia, the procedure is no longer available on request at this stage.
Abortion at 18–20 weeks of pregnancy
Still entirely legal and safe — the Netherlands is one of the few countries in Europe where the procedure is possible at this stage. A D&E takes 20–25 minutes, always under general anaesthetic. Time at the clinic: 4–5 hours. A recent ultrasound (no older than 7 days) is essential — at this stage the exact BPD and FL measurements determine whether the procedure can go ahead, so call us as soon as you have the scan.
Abortion at 21–22 weeks of pregnancy
The last possible window — the limit is 22 weeks (BPD up to 54 mm, FL up to 36 mm on ultrasound). Every day counts: contact us immediately and we will arrange an appointment as a priority, usually within 2–3 days. The procedure is under general anaesthetic, you are at the clinic for 4–5 hours, and you travel home the same day. If the calculator or your scan puts you close to the limit, do not wait — call us today.
FAQ

Questions about abortion after 12 weeks

Can you have an abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy?
Yes. We carry out procedures up to 22 weeks of pregnancy (BPD up to 54 mm, FL up to 36 mm). The Netherlands is one of the few countries in Europe offering procedures this late — with no need to give a reason.
Is it legal for women travelling from abroad?
Yes, entirely. Patients travelling from Poland break no Polish law and face no consequences on returning home — this has been confirmed by Polish lawyers. More: legal questions.
Does the procedure hurt?
You sleep through the whole procedure and feel nothing. Once you wake you may have cramps similar to strong period pain — you are given pain relief and stay in our care until you feel well.
How much does the procedure cost after 12 weeks?
The cost depends on how far along the pregnancy is. Always included: the ultrasound, anaesthesia and follow-up appointment — transport from Poland and a Polish-speaking interpreter are available as options. For those insured in the Netherlands the procedure is free. Call us and we'll give you the exact figure.
Will I be able to get pregnant afterwards?
Yes. A properly performed procedure does not affect fertility — you can conceive as soon as your next cycle.

Call us — we'll tell you exactly what your options are

The conversation is discreet and free of judgement.

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