Faroe Islands abolishes one of Europe's strictest abortion laws

The Faroese parliament has passed a law allowing abortion up to 12 weeks into pregnancy, overturning a long-standing regulation that heavily restricted terminations. Previously, abortions were only permitted under strict conditions such as cases of rape, incest, or threats to the womans health, making the territory one of the most restrictive in Europe.

The vote was narrowly decided, with 17 MPs supporting the change and 16 opposing it, following an intense debate in the parliament.

"This marks a historic moment for the Faroe Islands," said Ingiln Didriksen Strmm, one of the four parliamentarians who introduced the legislation. She emphasized that the new law affirms women's control over their own bodies, ensures access to safe medical care, and protects individuals from criminalisation and societal stigma.

The legislation, which will take effect on 1 July next year, replaces rules dating back to 1956. Under the old law, abortions were only allowed under special circumstances, such as severe fetal abnormalities or if the woman was considered "unfit" to care for the child. Approval required assessments by both a general practitioner and a second medical body, and failing to meet these conditions could result in legal penalties for both the woman and the doctor.

Pro-choice advocates hailed the reform as a long-overdue recognition of womens rights. Bjrt Lind from the campaign group Fritt Val described the change as "enormous," noting that abortion had long been a taboo subject in Faroese society, and that public discussions were once almost impossible.

Amnesty International's Faroe Islands branch called the decision a "major step for human rights," highlighting that women will no longer need to travel abroad, often at significant expense, to access abortion services. Limited local access had previously forced many women to seek procedures in Denmark.

For context, Danish law has permitted abortion up to 12 weeks since 1973, recently extended to 18 weeks on request. Across Europe, early abortion on demand is allowed in 43 countries, while only fiveAndorra, Malta, Liechtenstein, Poland, and Monacomaintain strict restrictions.

Opponents of the Faroese reform argued that the rights of the fetus must be considered. MP Erhard Joensen, who voted against the bill, stated that while he respects the outcome, he doubts the law will retain widespread support and suggested there may be future efforts to reverse it.

The Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago with around 56,000 residents, is known for its distinct cultural identity and conservative social norms, with over three-quarters of the population affiliated with the Lutheran church. Previous attempts to loosen abortion laws, including a tied vote last year, had failed.

Analysis: Faroese Parliament Expands Reproductive Rights

The passage of the new abortion law in the Faroe Islands represents a significant shift in the territory’s legal and social landscape. By allowing terminations up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, the parliament has overturned a restrictive framework that had remained largely unchanged since 1956.

The narrow vote—17 in favor, 16 against—underscores the deep divisions within Faroese society on this issue. Advocates emphasize the law’s role in affirming women’s autonomy, ensuring safe medical care, and reducing criminalization. The legislation also removes the practical barrier of requiring travel abroad, which many women previously faced to access abortion services.

While pro-choice organizations and human rights groups have praised the reform, opponents highlight ongoing concerns about fetal rights and suggest that the law’s long-term stability may be contested. Given the Faroe Islands’ conservative cultural norms and strong religious affiliations, future debates are likely.

Overall, this legal change aligns the Faroe Islands more closely with broader European standards, where early abortion on demand is common, and marks a notable departure from one of Europe’s historically strictest policies. Implementation will begin on 1 July next year, setting a new precedent for reproductive rights in the region.

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• Faroe Islands scraps one of Europe's strictest abortion laws