Unplanned pregnancy: options, the morning-after pill and care in Amsterdam & Haarlem

If you have an unwanted pregnancy, this can be a life-changing and emotional situation. It is therefore important to know what options are available and what professional care is on offer. In the Netherlands, there are various safe methods for terminating a pregnancy, including the abortion pill. Specialised clinics, such as the abortion clinics in Amsterdam and Haarlem, also offer support and a range of treatment options.

Up to what stage can you use the abortion pill?

The abortion pill is a commonly used method for terminating an early pregnancy. This treatment, also known as medical abortion, can be used up to 9 weeks of pregnancy, calculated from the first day of your last period.

The treatment consists of two medicines: Mifegyne®, which stops the pregnancy from developing, followed by misoprostol, which induces contractions causing the gestational sac to be expelled. This second part of the treatment usually takes place at home.

Side effects of the abortion pill

The use of the abortion pill is often accompanied by side effects. Common symptoms include:

• Bleeding, often heavier than a period

• Abdominal pain and cramps

• Nausea and diarrhoea

• Fever

These symptoms are normal reactions to the medication, but if you have a persistent fever or experience heavy bleeding, it is important to seek help.

Abortion Clinics Amsterdam & Haarlem

The Amsterdam & Haarlem abortion clinics together form a specialised care network that supports women facing an unwanted pregnancy. They offer assistance up to 22 weeks of pregnancy and work with experienced doctors and nurses who provide careful support to every woman. Privacy, respect and professional care are central to this.

One advantage of these clinics is that you do not need a referral from your GP, and that treatments are usually fully reimbursed for people living or working in the Netherlands. In addition, they always help you consider suitable contraception after the treatment.

Other abortion treatments

In addition to the abortion pill, the clinics also offer other treatments, depending on the stage of pregnancy:

• Suction curettage: up to and including 12 weeks of pregnancy

• Surgical abortion: between 13 and 17 weeks

• Abortion up to 22 weeks in their specialist centres

These procedures are carried out in a safe, medical setting with the option of support and aftercare.