890 Legal Abortions in Poland in 2024 – A Twofold Increase!
Why the Netherlands is a Safe Alternative up to 22 Weeks
According to the latest data from the Council of Europe and the National Health Fund (NFZ), the number of legal abortions in Poland doubled in 2024 – reaching 890, compared to 425 in the previous year. This is the result of new hospital guidelines, yet access to procedures remains limited. In Poland, abortion is legal only in cases of threat to the woman’s life or health or in situations of a criminal act, with no limit on the pregnancy week, but with significant regional disparities.
In 2025, 846 M17 procedures (induction of abortion) were recorded, mainly in Mazovia (242) and Lower Silesia (133), showing stabilization at around 850 per year – far below the numbers before the Constitutional Tribunal ruling in 2020. Source
Why the Increase Does Not Solve the Problem
Although the Council of Europe praises the new guidelines for „practical results” and the absence of conscience clause complaints, women still need guidance on access and new regulations that mitigate the effects of the Constitutional Tribunal ruling.
NFZ data do not show the full picture: they do not include late abortions or refusals of procedures. It is estimated that annually around 100–120 thousand abortions occur outside hospitals – via pills or traveling abroad. As a result, thousands of Polish women seek legal and safe options abroad. In this context, the Netherlands stands out for full accessibility. Source
The Netherlands – Legal Abortion on Request up to 22 Weeks
Dutch law (Wet afbreking zwangerschap, 1984) allows termination of pregnancy up to 22–24 weeks without medical indication, with a flexible reflection period (since 2023, the 5-day waiting period is no longer mandatory).
What Clinics Offer, e.g., Het Vrelinghuis in Utrecht
- Polish-speaking translator on-site
- Outpatient procedures up to 22 weeks of pregnancy
- Transport from Poland, accommodation, and 24/7 support
Cost: 2000–2500 €, full service package. Contact us
Poland vs. Netherlands Comparison (2025/2026)
| Parameter | Poland | Netherlands |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Limit | Only life/health threat or criminal act | 22–24 weeks on request |
| Procedures per Year | ~850 (hospitals) | Thousands |
| Regional Access | Mazovia: 242, Subcarpathia: <10 | Nationwide, Utrecht for Polish patients |
| Support for Polish Women | No guide | Translator, transport, hotel |
| Waiting Time | Months, refusals | 1–2 weeks |
How to Access Legal Abortion in the Netherlands
- Contact us – we will assess your pregnancy week using our online calculator
- Travel arrangements: transport (Warsaw–Utrecht ~12h), translator, hotel
- Procedure: 15–30 minutes, same-day return with post-procedure medication
- Full confidentiality – legal in the EU, no risk of penalties
The Council of Europe calls for changes in Poland, but the Netherlands is already today a safe and legal alternative for Polish women.
Sources: Council of Europe (March 2026), NFZ (2025), Wikipedia, legalna-aborcja.nl