Requesting a voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP)

Non residents

Residents

Last updated more than 5 years ago

As is the case for sex education and the prevention of abortion, the rules on voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) are included in the programme for the promotion of sexual and emotional health launched in 2013.

Any pregnant woman may request a voluntary termination of pregnancy within the time period provided for by law and after having been informed of the different options available to her.

Who is concerned

The following persons may request a voluntary termination of pregnancy:

pregnant adult women;
pregnant non-emancipated minors, with the consent of their parent, legal guardian, or a trusted adult.

Prerequisites

A voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) may be performed at the pregnant woman's request, provided that:

the pregnant woman consults a physician specialised in gynaecology and obstetrics at least 3 days before undergoing the VTP;
the VTP is performed by a physician specialised in gynaecology and obstetrics, licensed to practise in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, and is performed in a hospital or other licensed institution.

 Medically induced VTP may also be performed by a 
 physician licensed to practise in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg who is 
 not specialised in gynaecology and obstetrics. It may be performed by a 
 physician in private practice if they deem it possible, provided that they have entered into an 
 agreement with a hospital that has a gynaecology and obstetrics department with 24-hour emergency services.

The pregnant woman must, before undergoing a VTP, have received the following from the specialist:

a dated certificate of pregnancy stating the location and exact age of the pregnancy, to be given to the physician performing the VTP;
medical information about the different methods of VTP that exist and about the medical risks and the potential side effects;
a list of institutions licensed to perform voluntary terminations of pregnancy, if the physician providing the certificate is not able perform it;
documentation explaining the rights of pregnant women, the aid available to children and families, and the various options available to the patient, as well as their consequences.

Deadlines

A voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) must generally be performed before the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, or before the end of the 14th week of amenorrhoea (absence of menstrual periods).

However, a voluntary termination of pregnancy may be performed after that date if 2 qualified physicians certify in writing that there is a serious threat to the health or life of the pregnant woman or the foetus.

How to proceed

Pregnant adult women

Before the procedure, the physician must inform the woman of her right, both before and after the voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP), to a meeting with the psycho-social assistance services connected to a hospital or other institution licensed to perform VTP. There, she will receive:

information about alternatives to the decision to perform a VTP;
information about the rights and assistance guaranteed by law to families and children;
support and advice on how to find help to resolve any psychological and social problems in connection with the VTP.

Pregnant non-emancipated minors

A pregnant non-emancipated minor must meet with the psychological assistance services. There, she will receive:

information about alternatives to the decision to perform a VTP;
information about the rights and assistance guaranteed by law to families and children;
support and advice on how to find help to resolve any psychological and social problems in connection with the VTP.

 A parent, legal guardian, or trusted adult must 
 give their 
 consent.

If a minor patient wishes to keep the voluntary termination of pregnancy a secret from her parents or legal guardians, the VTP and the related medical procedures and care may be performed on the condition that she is accompanied by a trusted adult of her choice. The psychosocial assistance services will provide advice on the choice of a trusted adult.

After meeting with the psychosocial assistance services, the pregnant non-emancipated minor must confirm in writing:

her decision to undergo a voluntary termination of pregnancy;
her consent to the planned procedure, after having obtained the necessary information from the physician.

 The written confirmation must be 
 countersigned by a parent, legal guardian, or trusted adult.

VTP procedures

Women who wish to have a VTP performed may go to one of the centres licensed by the Ministry of Health to perform VTP.

A medically induced voluntary termination of pregnancy may also be performed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg and who is not a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics.

Physicians in private practice who are not licensed to perform VTP may perform medically induced VTP, provided that they have entered into an agreement with a hospital that has a gynaecology and obstetrics department with 24-hour emergency services.

Hospitals are free to agree or refuse to enter into such agreements.

Similarly, no physician or healthcare professional is required to perform a VTP.

Legal offences

The following persons shall be subject to 2 to 5 years in prison and a fine of EUR 251 to EUR 25,000:

a person who performs or attempts to perform an abortion on a pregnant woman (or a woman presumed to be pregnant), by any means, without following the procedures provided for by law, even if the woman has consented to the procedure.
a pregnant woman who obtains a voluntary termination of her pregnancy without following the procedures provided for by law.

However, there is no offence when the voluntary termination of pregnancy is performed after the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, or after the end of the 14th week of amenorrhoea (absence of menstrual periods), if 2 qualified physicians certify in writing that there is a serious threat to the health or life of the pregnant woman or the foetus.

Forms / Online services

Attestation de grossesse pour une femme majeure

Télécharger le formulaire PDF, 64 Kb

Attestation de grossesse pour une femme mineure et non émancipée

Télécharger le formulaire PDF, 65 Kb

Demande de réalisation d’une interruption volontaire de grossesse pour une femme mineure non émancipée

Télécharger le formulaire PDF, 63 Kb

Attestation de consultation d’assistance psychosociale pour une femme mineure et non émancipée

Télécharger le formulaire PDF, 61 Kb

Convention entre un médecin et un établissement hospitalier disposant d’un service de gynécologie-obstétrique assurant un service d’urgence permanent

Télécharger le formulaire PDF, 100 Kb

Liste des établissements agréés pour pratiquer une interruption volontaire de grossesse

Télécharger le formulaire PDF, 389 Kb