Faroe Islands repeal strict abortion law
The Faroe Islands has voted to legalise abortion until 12 weeks, overturning one of Europe’s strictest abortion laws. The previous law prohibited abortion in most cases. Only certain circumstances, including rape, incest, or risk to health, were permitted.
Following a heated debate in its parliament, the decision was close, with 17 MPs voting in favour and 16 against. The new law is expected to take effect on 1st July 2026, replacing the previous restrictive law that was passed in 1956.
Under the previous law, abortions in the Faroe Islands were only allowed under certain circumstances. This included severe foetal health problems or if the woman was considered to be “unfit” to take care of the child. This would have been determined by a GP and medical body before an abortion is given. Both the woman and doctor face potential prison time if the conditions are not met.
Campaigners in the Faroe Islands have long argued that this was outdated and infringed on women’s rights. “After years of campaigning we finally have a law respecting women’s and all pregnant people’s rights to a safe and legal abortion until week 12,” Amnesty International’s branch on the islands said, describing it as a “huge step for human rights, the right to bodily autonomy and to secure safe abortions.”
Due to the limited access, those seeking an abortion often had to travel to Denmark for the procedure. There, abortions are allowed up 18 weeks since June this year, replacing the previous restriction of up to 12 weeks.
Over 40 countries in Europe allow “abortion on request,” according to the Centre for Reproductive Rights. This leaves Andorra, Malta, Liechtenstein, Poland, and Monaco with the continent’s most restrictive laws, especially since the 8th amendment was repealed by the Irish parliament nearly a decade ago.
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