Remember Thuisabortus, the online abortion pill platform? Launched barely a week ago, it has already shut its doors, after doctors couldn’t process an astonishing 30 requests a day.
The founder of the service, Peter Leusink, expected five to seven requests per working day. He was rather shocked to receive 150 requests over the course of one week, more than his team could handle alongside their regular practices.
There were about 40,000 abortions in the Netherlands in 2024 alone, according to NU.nl. Who would have thought that Thuisabortus would absorb almost half the volume on its own?
The idea was simple: women up to nine weeks pregnant fill out an online form, and doctors check for risk factors before sending a prescription to the pharmacy.
However, this sparked a massive controversy within the medical community.
Angry GPs weigh in
The no-consultation model has drawn sharp criticism from the General Practitioners’ Association (LHV), the Royal Dutch Medical Association (KNMG), and the Dutch Association of Abortion Doctors (NGvA).
Their concern, reports NU, is that a face-to-face conversation can reveal things a form cannot: a mental health struggle, an abusive relationship, financial hardship, or repeated procedures.
The LHV emphasises, “The online abortion pill can never replace this personal contact between patient and GP.”
Leusink calls this “patronising.” In a response to NU, he stresses, “A woman chooses the form of abortion that suits her.”
Is accessibility an issue?
Bernard Leenstra, a general practitioner and “opinion leader,” tells NRC: “Dismissing an abortion as if you can place the product next to the Snickers on the conveyor belt really goes too far for me.”
Meanwhile, he worries about the easy accessibility of abortion pills and the subsequent quality of healthcare, comparing them to the online frenzy behind weight loss medication.
In one breath, he acknowledges that those without a uterus shouldn’t volunteer an opinion on abortion. In another, he says, “I do not consider the argument that it is easier for women to be valid.” Yikes.
Another expert notes that online provision is already a standard in many countries, such as the UK, France, and Canada.
Moreover, a research study shows that 99% of women still support their decision years later.
When should you see a GP?
Just like any other treatment, abortion pills may lead to medical complications. Thuisabortus.nl advises people with a uterus to consult their general practitioner for any aftercare.
Although the site is now paused, four or five extra doctors are in training. Leusink is hoping to reopen after Easter, with someone manning the website each day.
What do you think of this debate? Are you for or against online-order abortion pills? Tell us in the comments.
