The parliament of the Faroe Islands voted on Thursday to legalise abortion until the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, overturning a decades-old law that prohibited abortions in most cases.
Previous legislation allowed abortions only in certain circumstances, such as rape, incest, or risk to the health of the pregnant woman, making the self-governing Danish territory one of the most restrictive on the topic in Europe.
Following a heated parliamentary debate, the decision came down to the wire, with MPs narrowly voting in favour of the reform, by 17 to 16.
This is truly a historic day in the Faroe Islands, said Ingilín Didriksen Strømm, one of the four MPs who tabled the bill.
Strømm told the BBC: This change finally affirms women's autonomy over their own bodies in the Faroe Islands.
It guarantees access to safe healthcare, and it also protects our freedom to make decisions about our own lives without fear, without stigma and without criminalisation, she added.
The new legislation is expected to come into effect on 1 July next year, replacing laws dating back to 1956, which severely restricted abortion to special circumstances.
The shift has been welcomed by pro-choice advocates, who argue that the previous law was outdated and hindered women's rights. Bjørt Lind from the pro-choice group Fritt Val stated: This is a colossal change... Abortion has been so hidden and taboo in Faroese society.
Amnesty International's Faroe Islands branch praised the move, stating: This is a huge step for human rights and for securing safe abortions, allowing Faroese women to avoid costly trips abroad.\
While the change is celebrated, opposition remains, with some arguing for the protection of fetal rights. Despite this, the new law represents a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights in the region.
