Abortion Legislation and the Future of the ‘Counseling Model’

Abstract:

This article aims at further reflection on the 'counseling model'. It is based on the recent evaluation of the Dutch abortion act. How has this model worked in the Netherlands? What can be learned from that experience about its weak and strong sides, as well as about its suitability for the future, taking into account relevant medical and societal developments?

In doing so, the article first elaborates on three models relating them also to the present legal situation in a number of European countries. A description of the Dutch act and a report on the results of the evaluation study which was carried out in the years 2004–2005 is given. Finally, on the basis of these findings, the author discusses the merits of the 'counseling model', also with a view to the future.