The proposal was put forward by the women’s wing of the right-leaning party.
The National Coalition Party (NCP) voted to embed the right to abortion in the constitution at its party congress on Sunday.
The proposal was brought forward by the right-leaning party’s women’s wing, which argued that reproductive rights and women’s self-determination should be treated as fundamental constitutional protections.
According to MP Pihla Keto-Huovinen, the decision sends a “clear and strong message” that these rights are non-negotiable in Finland.
The issue prompted debate at the congress, with some delegates opposing the move on the grounds of children’s rights.
However, the women’s wing position ultimately prevailed in the vote.
Since 2023, women have not been required to give a reason for ending a pregnancy within the first 12 weeks. Previously, women seeking an abortion were required to provide a reason for why they did not wish to continue the pregnancy. At the same time, the requirement for a second doctor’s opinion to access the procedure was rescinded.
