From 2026, undocumented women will have better access to abortion care in Amsterdam. More than 20 general practitioners are joining a network that makes this care possible. They can recover costs through a municipal emergency fund.
This measure is intended for women who often do not use abortion care because it is too expensive or inaccessible. By involving general practitioners, care becomes more accessible and easier to reach.
This aligns with the broader efforts of the city administration to make care accessible for undocumented Amsterdammers: people residing here without a valid residence permit. Think of general practitioner care, dental care, and psychosocial support.
Abortion Care More Accessible
A national legislative change makes this expansion possible. Since January 1, 2025, general practitioners are allowed to provide abortion care with medication up to 8 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. Previously, women could only go to a clinic or hospital for this. This increases the accessibility of abortion care.
Collaboration
More than 20 Amsterdam general practitioners participate in the network, including 15 from Stichting Kruispost, a care organization for undocumented people. They can claim their costs from the municipal emergency fund. Additionally, collaboration continues with abortion clinics in Amsterdam. Costs for abortions in these clinics are reimbursed via Stichting Dokters van de Wereld and Stichting Kruispost.
Access to Care for Every Woman
Our principle is that every woman in Amsterdam must have access to safe and good abortion care, regardless of her residence status. Alderman Rutger Groot Wassink says: “Good healthcare is a basic need for every person, including undocumented Amsterdammers. We pay special attention to women. They avoid abortion care due to costs and limited accessibility. That is unacceptable. Therefore, together with our partners, we ensure good abortion care is accessible to every woman, with or without papers.”
Next Steps
In 2026, the city council will investigate how the emergency fund for abortion care can become a structural arrangement, with multi-year financing. Costs are estimated at €45,000 per year. The council also looks at possibilities for national agreements on abortion care and other medical care for undocumented people, such as dental care and population screening.
National Legislation
At the same time, the council emphasizes that municipal policy is not separate from national legislation. In a letter to the city council, the college points to the bill in the House of Representatives on the criminalization of illegality. The introduction of this law may have major consequences for the welfare of undocumented people and for access to care and support.
Support for Undocumented Amsterdammers
The expansion of abortion care is part of the Undocumented Program. Through this program, the municipality offers support in the areas of shelter, care, livelihood security, and information provision.
Photo: Pexels / Cottonbro