According to Sweden's 1974 Abortion Act, a woman is entitled to an abortion until the end of the 18th week of pregnancy. Abortion beyond the 18th week is allowed only for special reasons, such as fetal injuries or serious maternal physical and mental health problems, and only after approval from the National Board of Health and Welfare; elective abortions are not approved after the 22nd week of pregnancy.

Only a specialist in gynecology or a doctor under training to become a specialist is allowed to perform abortions and only at general hospitals. In 1999 the number of births in Sweden was 88,300 and the number of abortion was 30,700, of which 93 percent were first trimester abortions. Around 60 percent of first trimester abortions are performed by vacuum aspiration, while 40 percent are medical.

Registered nurses or nurse-midwives can assist the doctor in surgical abortions like in other obstetric surgery. Recently, midwives took a larger role in medical abortion in terms of counseling and care of the woman during the procedure. In some areas, midwives provide information about available abortion methods and are able to administer the drugs to women who choose pharmaceutical abortion. Care and management of medical abortion clients has gradually been shifted from doctors to midlevel providers. However, midwives providing elective abortion services must have a doctor’s supervision.

Read more on population and reproductive health in Sweden