Europe’s “Progressive” Image Doesn’t Match Its Abortion Laws - US v Europe Statistics & Facts

Megan Kircher
Apr 4
2 min read

FULL ARTICLE:

Europe’s “Progressive” Image Doesn’t Match Its Abortion Laws

Many U.S. media outlets portray post-Roe abortion restrictions as uniquely harsh or regressive — but ignore that several European countries have long had similar or stricter laws.

Take France: in 2022, President Macron pushed to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution — but the law itself still limits abortion to 14 weeks. After that, it’s only allowed under specific health conditions or in cases of fetal anomaly. (CBS News)

Italy limits abortions to 90 days (approximately 12–13 weeks), with medical approvals needed beyond that for serious health risks. (Wikipedia)

The UK allows abortions up to 24 weeks, but only with medical certification that the pregnancy would pose greater risk than termination — and many providers won’t perform them after 20. Beyond 24 weeks is only allowed under exceptional circumstances.

Meanwhile in the U.S…

After the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, states began setting their own laws:

• Some states allow abortion to 24+ weeks

• Many limit abortion to 15 weeks or earlier

• Some states (like Texas) restrict abortion after 6 weeks, with exceptions for the mother’s life

Critics frame these as “extreme” — yet France and Italy have enforced similar limits for decades.

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Countries with Strict or Total Bans in Europe:

• Malta: All abortions are illegal, even in cases of rape or incest.

• Poland: Only allowed in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening health risks.

• Liechtenstein & Andorra: Ban or heavily restrict abortions.

• Hungary: Requires fetal heartbeat listening and a waiting period before abortion is allowed.

These laws are rarely mentioned in U.S. media coverage, which tends to assume Europe is universally “pro-choice.”

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Who Gets Abortions in the U.S.?

According to CDC and Guttmacher Institute data:

• 93% of abortions happen at or before 13 weeks

• 60% of abortion patients already have children

• 58% are in their 20s

• 37% are Black women

• 24% are Hispanic women

• Less than 1% of abortions are due to rape or incest

• Most cite economic pressure, family strain, or timing as primary reasons

These statistics highlight that abortion is often a complex, socioeconomic decision — and that most occur well within the timeframe allowed in Europe.

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Why It Matters:

There’s a narrative that America is alone in placing limits on abortion — but in truth, many European countries have long imposed gestational limits, parental consent laws, and reflection periods.

For example:

• Germany: Mandatory counseling and 3-day waiting period

• Spain: Parental consent under 18

• Finland: Requires justification and two physicians’ approval

These are rarely framed as “extreme” in global media.

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Bottom Line:

The conversation about abortion deserves more than slogans and soundbites.

The truth is this: Europe is not a monolith of “pro-choice” liberalism — and the U.S. is not alone in placing limits.

Understanding the facts — from who gets abortions to how policies differ across borders — is essential to having real, respectful dialogue.

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