Politics · Netherlands · 2 hrs ago
SGP files censure motion against Dutch health minister over late abortion
The Dutch SGP filed a censure motion against Health Minister Sophie Hermans over late abortion.
The dispute concerns government support for exploring whether pregnancies at 22 weeks could be ended in hospitals, where this care cannot be provided in clinics.
Hermans said the exploration does not change the existing abortion law and argued that a woman's right to choose must be protected.
The SGP objects to the approach, while the Christian Union has separately proposed stopping the trial.
Hermans agreed to document women's experiences in these emergency situations but rejected a study into why abortions happen.
Parliament is due to vote on the motions on 27 October, after its autumn recess, and they are expected to lack majority support.
The dispute also leaves unclear whether the SGP will continue to be a possible supporter of the minority government’s health budget.
The SGP filed a motion of censure against Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans over a government-backed exploration of abortions at 22 weeks of pregnancy.
SGP MP Van Dijk said the minister should defend the protection of life, particularly where the limits of criminal law are being tested.
Hermans said the exploration would not change the existing abortion law and defended women’s right to choose.
The motion is expected not to win a majority, and the vote is scheduled for October 27.
The Christian Union also submitted a motion to stop the late-abortion trial and is expected to support the SGP motion.
- Who
- The SGP filed the motion against Health Minister Sophie Hermans.
- What
- It filed a motion of censure over the government’s support for an exploration of abortions at 22 weeks of pregnancy.
- When
- The motion was reported on October 15, 2026. A vote is scheduled for October 27.
- Where
- In the Dutch parliament.
- Why
- The SGP objects to the exploration and says the minister should protect life, especially where the limits of criminal law are being tested.
SGP and Christian Union
Dutch government
Exploration of abortions at 22 weeks
SGP and Christian Union
The SGP objects to the government-backed exploration and the SGP wants the late-abortion trial stopped.
Dutch government
The government supports an exploration of abortions at 22 weeks in hospitals.
Abortion rights
SGP and Christian Union
The SGP says the minister should stand firmly for the protection of life.
Dutch government
Hermans said women’s freedom to make choices about their own bodies is a right the cabinet supports.
Change to the law
SGP and Christian Union
The SGP raised concerns about the boundaries of criminal law.
Dutch government
Hermans said the exploration would not stretch the existing abortion law.
It became known that the health ministry supported an exploration of abortions at 22 weeks in hospitals.
The SGP’s motion of censure against Hermans was reported.
Parliament is scheduled to vote on the motions after the autumn recess.
- Minister
- Sophie Hermans
- Motion filer
- SGP
- Gestation explored
- 22 weeks
- Vote date
- October 27
- Other motion
- Christian Union MP Mirjam Bikker called for the late-abortion trial to stop
3 sources
What people are saying
The protection of life is the foundation of a civilization.
The freedom of women to make choices about their own bodies is an achievement this cabinet stands for.
That is a choice based on a right.
A woman who chooses an abortion is not a criminal and never makes this decision lightly.