Finland government proposes €257 fee for elective abortions, opposition erupts

Finland's ruling coalition is set to introduce a €257 charge for abortions carried out at the woman's own request, covering surgical, procedural or specialized diagnostic interventions. The fee was originally intended for all operations but was narrowed in June to exclude births, and now further limited to elective terminations. Opposition parties SDP and the Left Alliance have condemned the move as a punitive, ideologically driven tax that attacks abortion rights.

Critics say the charge disproportionately harms young and low-income women and turns a medical service into a moral judgement. The draft also stipulates that the fee will not apply in cases of miscarriage, pregnancy-related complications, or for minors. Government minister Karoliina Partanen has been urged to clarify the rationale behind the policy.