Termination of Pregnancy and 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 that:
  • The woman has obtained  certificate, information and documentation after consulting a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics at least three days beforehand
  • A licensed specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics carries out the abortion, and provides information on psychosocial support and counselling
Parental consent is required for minors under 18. However, a minor may request to be assisted by an adult of her choice. Information must be provided on psychosocial support services. 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. A doctor has the right to refuse to perform an abortion.

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: 8-10, rue de la Fonderie, L-1531 Luxembourg Tel: 48 59 76 Fax: 40 02 14 email
  • 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 email
  • Centre d’Ettelbruck At: 18 avenue J.F. Kennedy, L-9053 Ettelbruck Tel: 81 87 87 Fax: 81 10 16 email