In Norway, women have the right to decide for themselves whether they wish to have an abortion during the first twelve weeks of their pregnancy. The duration of a pregnancy is determined from the first day of your last period. You can submit a request for an abortion yourself. You do not need to be referred by your general practitioner GP , as you can contact any hospital with a gynaecological department directly. You do not need to explain your reasons and there is no period of reflection. When you contact your GP, health centre or hospital, they will ask you for the date of the first day of your last period.
If you are under 16, a parent or guardian will be given the chance to comment, if there are no specific reasons why they should not be given this opportunity. The healthcare professional you contact should explain to you what the abortion will involve and the associated risk of complications. They will also ask you if you would like to be given information and guidance about the support you are entitled to from society if you decide to go through with your pregnancy.
Information and guidance will be given in an objective manner and without the GP or other healthcare professional expressing their personal opinions. If a GP or other healthcare professional does express their personal opinions to you, you can complain to the county governor.
All women resident in Norway are entitled to have an abortion, either as an elective abortion or following consideration by a committee. Abortions are free for women resident in Norway. Women who are not resident in Norway, but who are a member of the Norwegian National Insurance scheme or covered by a reciprocal agreement with another country, may have their expenses covered by the National Insurance scheme.
Others have to pay for the abortion themselves. However, the hospital cannot demand payment in advance. After you have contacted the hospital yourself or your GP has sent a request for an abortion to the hospital, you will be asked to attend a preliminary examination.
