Abortion clinics in the Netherlands are reporting an increasing number of attacks as anti-abortion sentiment grows, the Telegraaf reported on Thursday.

“We used to get the odd nasty letter, and no one came to demonstrate at the clinic but since 2017, we have become a target,” Femke van Straaten, a director of abortion clinics in Amsterdam and Haarlem, told the paper. The incidents range from demonstrations near the clinic to being sent IS decapitation videos.

A survey carried out by abortion clinics showed that 50% of women would postpone their appointment if they knew demonstrators were going to turn up. “It’s impeding good care and it also bothers the people who work here,” Van Straaten said.

The increase in anti-abortion sentiment is reflected in the numbers that turn up for the annual march – 11,000 in 2025, compared to half that in 2017, the paper said. Membership of anti-abortion organisations and donations to them are also up.

Demonstrations in front of the entrance of clinics were banned by the Council of State last year but “it’s an illusion to think that will stop them,” jurisprudence professor Jan Brouwer said. “They will just stand there on their own and claim the right to freedom of expression. Pro-life organisations always find a way,” he said.

In the Netherlands, women who are up to nine weeks into an unwanted pregnancy can now opt to request abortion pills online. Abortion clinics can carry out abortions up to 24 weeks.