Obstetricians’ views on extending the 12-week abortion limit in Belgium: A qualitative study

Flemish hospital obstetricians highlight both moral and technical challenges associated with extending the abortion time limit, primarily relating to surgical abortion methods and the organization of care. This study finds that, if an extended limit were to be adopted, additional policies and safeguards would facilitate implementation and foster interest among obstetricians in providing services. These include education and technical training of providers in later abortion care, centralization of provision, appropriate facilities, prepared teams, value workshops, and adequate state financing.