Two types of abortion

There are two different types of abortion. The choice between the two will be based on the woman's preference and the stage of pregnancy:

• medical abortion,
• surgical abortion.

Medical abortion

In the case of a medical abortion, the pregnancy is terminated by two drugs. The first medically ends the pregnancy; the second medically causes the embryo to be expelled from the uterus.

A medical abortion does not require anaesthesia. It can be performed up until the end of the 12^th week of pregnancy or the 14^th week after the start of the last period.

It may be performed either:

• by a physician specialising in gynaecology and obstetrics, licensed to practise in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg,
• by a physician who is not a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics. They must be licensed to practise in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

 A medical abortion is performed either:

• in institutions certified by the Ministry of Health (Family Planning, etc.),
• in a medical practice, provided that:
  • the physician is licensed to perform an abortion and deems it feasible,
  • and on condition that the physician has an agreement with a hospital with an obstetrics and gynaecology department that provides a permanent emergency service.

Surgical abortion

In this case, the pregnancy is terminated by a surgical intervention: the embryo is removed using suction to end the pregnancy.

A surgical abortion requires either local or general anaesthetic. It may be performed up until the end of the 12^th week of pregnancy, or 14^th week of amenorrhoea.

It can only be performed in a hospital environment:

• by a physician specialising in gynaecology and obstetrics, licensed to practise in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.