Almost 400 of the 12,000 family doctors registered in the Netherland are now qualified to prescribe the abortion pill, according to figures from expertise centre FIOM and requested by Trouw.

The abortion pill, which can be taken up to nine weeks into the pregnancy, could formerly only be issued by abortion clinics or hospitals. Since January 1, family doctors who have completed a special training programme are also allowed to prescribe the pill.

“It makes abortion care easier to access,” Fiom spokeswoman Wendy Kerstent told broadcaster NOS.

“Over half of women who are facing an unwanted pregnancy see their family doctor first because it’s more familiar setting and often closer to home. Women who live far away from an abortion clinic can now turn to their family doctor,” she said.

Kersten said that the number of family doctors who want to do the training is growing. The number of applicants is currently 1,400.

The training is made up of three parts, including offering non-directive advice, care after the abortion has taken place and the prescription of medication.