New abortion Act brings changes to activities – contact Gynaecology Outpatient Clinic directly in future

The new Act enteres into force on 1 September. After the amendment, a termination before the twelfth week of pregnancy will no longer require the presentation of grounds for the termination or the permission of one or more doctors, since the pregnant woman’s own request is sufficient. In the Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia, abortions are concentrated in Pietarsaari and Vaasa.

– Now you can call our Gynaecology Outpatient Clinic directly and make an appointment. In the past, a referral from a health centre was required for an abortion, says Chief Gynaecologist, Jennica Kööpikkä.

After the call, the person applying for a termination undergoes laboratory tests, followed by a visit to a nurse and a doctor. In most cases, the abortion is done medically, so the patient can stay at home.

The new procedure will not change the regulation from the 12th week of pregnancy. Such terminations will continue to require a licence from Valvira, the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health. Terminations of this type are rare and are usually done due to a developmental disorder or abnormality of the foetus, the health of the pregnant woman, or some other justified reason.

Fall in number of terminations

According to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, THL, the number of abortions has fallen steadily in recent decades. The reason for a termination can be, for example, failing to use birth control, a weak financial situation, lack of a support network or age. In the future, there is no need to justify a decision to the nursing staff.

– The new Act corresponds to the practices of other Nordic countries, Kööpikkä states.

According to THL, about 7,900 abortions were performed in Finland last year, of which 252 were in Ostrobothnia. The number of pregnancy terminations has decreased, especially for young people.

It is interesting to see how free contraception for people under the age of 25 affects the number of abortions. Sometimes you have to search for a contraceptive that works for you, but there is a suitable option for everyone, assures Kööpikkä.

The Contraception Clinic is there to serve people of all ages in matters related to contraception.