18 to 22 weeks

Abortion treatment

Treatment provided with careful medical supervision by an experienced team of specialists.

We're here for you every step of the way. With care and attention.

About the treatment

When a pregnancy is further along (between 18 and 22 weeks), the procedure is different from that for an earlier termination. This procedure requires more preparation and takes longer. You should expect to spend the entire day at our clinic.

You will receive a clear explanation of all the steps beforehand. The procedure will then be performed by an experienced team. The treatment is performed under deep sedation, so you will be largely or completely unaware of the procedure.

After the procedure, you will remain in the clinic for a while to recover. Nurses will be there to assist you. It is normal to experience abdominal cramps and light bleeding, similar to or slightly heavier than a menstrual period. You will be given instructions on what to expect and what to watch out for.

This treatment is medically safe, but due to the stage of pregnancy, the risk of complications is slightly higher than with earlier treatments. That is why we work with a specialized team and take the time to provide thorough care and support.

Benefits

Safe method up to 22 weeks of pregnancy
Treatment under deep sedation
Implemented by a specialized and experienced team
Anesthesiologist on site

Disadvantages

More physically and emotionally taxing than previous treatment
The risk of complications is slightly higher than with treatment earlier in the pregnancy
Recovery involving blood loss and abdominal cramps may take longer

What can you expect?

Before treatment

Preparation at home

Take a shower or bath at home and make sure you haven’t eaten or drunk anything for at least 6 hours beforehand. This procedure is always performed under deep sedation. You may have water or tea (without milk) up to 2 hours before the procedure. Arrange for transportation: you must not drive a vehicle for 24 hours after the deep sedation.

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Please bring: ID with your Social Security number, insurance card, proof of enrollment, a nightgown, slippers, and sanitary pads. Do you take any medication? Please let us know in advance.

At the clinic

Assessment & Intake

Before treatment begins, we’ll ask you to fill out a medical questionnaire. One of our doctors will then call you in for an ultrasound exam. This allows us to determine the exact stage of your pregnancy. The preliminary examination is followed by a consultation with the doctor.

At the clinic

Treatment

The anesthesiologist will put you to sleep. This means you won’t feel a thing during the procedure. The doctor will use instruments to remove the contents of your uterus. The procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

At the clinic

Immediately after treatment

After the procedure, you’ll rest in the clinic and be given something to eat and drink. A nurse will stay nearby. Your companion can wait for you in the waiting room. When you go home, you’ll be given instructions to follow. You’ll also need to take antibiotics that same day.

Follow-up Care & Check-ups

Aftercare

Listen to your body and rest if necessary. Be sure to schedule a follow-up appointment at the clinic or with your primary care physician after 3 weeks. Keep in mind that you can become pregnant again immediately after an abortion. We’re happy to discuss birth control options with you.

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How long does it take?

Day 1–12

Pending consideration

Day 1 of treatment

Prep time: 1 hour

Treatment: 20–30 minutes

In the department: 1–3 hours

After 3 weeks

Post-abortion follow-up

Costs

If you live in the Netherlands and have health insurance, the costs of treatment will be fully covered by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Please bring your insurance card or policy statement and a valid form of identification. If you do not have these documents, you can request an extract from the civil registry at your local city hall and bring it with you.

If you are not officially a resident of the Netherlands and do not have insurance, you will be responsible for the costs, which must be paid in cash or by debit card before treatment begins.

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Frequently Asked Questions

View all questions

Take your time before making a decision

When you're pregnant, you have several options:

Carry the pregnancy to term and raise the child on my own
Placing a child for adoption or foster care
Terminating a pregnancy (abortion)

Take your time before making a decision. Try to think about how you feel and what matters to you. What does this situation mean for you, your life, and your future? Only you can weigh these factors. We believe it’s important that you reach a well-considered decision at your own pace.

Want to talk to someone?

It can be helpful to talk to someone who will listen without judging you. This could be a friend or family member, but you can also make an appointment with your family doctor or schedule a consultation at our clinic. The consultation is confidential, non-binding, and free of charge. For information about the decision-making process, you can also contact FIOM.

Safe, respectful care

Other people's experiences

Share your experience

“They were very friendly and caring. They made the experience a lot more bearable than I had expected. I didn’t find it an unpleasant place to be, and the atmosphere is very pleasant. They really help you get through it.”

“I think everyone was really kind and understanding. I had a wonderful experience here with all the doctors and nurses. They’re very good at accommodating people who don’t speak Dutch.”

Treatment

In addition to the abortion pill, you can also opt for suction curettage. Learn more about this treatment

View this treatment

We're here for you when you need us most

Do you have any questions or would you like to schedule an appointment? Please contact us.

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Abortion treatment

About the treatment

Benefits

Disadvantages