Apply to terminate a pregnancy (abortion)

You can contact any pregnancy termination board (Hebrew) in any hospital or surgical clinic. The application process and handling changes depending on the clinic or hospital, so they'll let you know what to do.

You can also conatct the board secretary or social worker, or hospital social services.
 

You can apply to terminate a pregnancy during or after the 24th week through hospitals, clinics, or attending gynecologists.

Terminations of pregnancy after the 24th week usually take place in the hospital where the board is located.

Terminating a pregnancy from the 24th week means terminating it after the quickening stage. You can find the conditions for approval in the .

If you need to terminate a pregnancy during or after the 24th week you'll need to apply to one of the a pregnancy termination board after the quickening stage in one of  13 medical centers across Israel.

These boards have special permission to examine and approve these applications. They include additional specialists and social workers.

You''ll need your ID card or any other official photo ID (for example, your driver’s license or passport)

After applying, the pregnancy termination borad may ask you for medical documents

All information and documents submitted to the boards for its hearings and decisions are private and confidential.

Approved terminations of pregnancy are included in the health basket and convered by your HMO (kupat holim):

• if you're under 33
• or in the following cases:
  • the pregnancy is a result of unlawful sexual intercourse, for example, rape or incest (as defined by criminal law)
  • the pregnancy could endanger your life or cause you physical or psychological harm
  • the fetus may have a physical or mental defect

Any required payments are through your HMO.

If you are not a member of an HMO you'll need to pay for the termination of pregnancy or show a financial commitment from another insurance company.

1. Meeting with a social worker
   After applying, you'll meet with the board’s social worker (the board's secretary will arrange the meeting). They'll explain the process will, and offer advice on making the decision to terminate the pregnancy, as well as other possible solutions.
    
2. Meeting with doctors
   A doctor will discuss with you the termination of pregnancy procedure, chances and risks involved. they'll also discuss medical issues that you'll need to understand to make the decision.
    
3. Consultating with additional specialists
   If there is a risk of physical or mental defect t to the fetus or your health, you can consult with additional specialists.
    
4. Signing an “informed consent” form
   You'll need to sign the informed consent to express your wish to terminate the pregnancy and confirm that you have received detailed information about the process.
    
5. Receiving the board's decision
   The board’s decision is usually given immediately. The decision lists the legal statutes under which the application to terminate the pregnancy was approved. Once the board has approved the termination, you'll be set a date. You have the right to appear before the board.
    
6. The medical procedure
   The pregnancy will be terminated in the hospital or the clinic where the board’s approval was given, or other medical institution tha's licensed to perform pregnancy terminations. You can choose where you want to have the abortion (depending on your HMO).

You can reconsider terminating the pregnancy at any stage and receive additional counseling from the physicians, the social worker, or any other relevant professional.

Who is on the Pregnancy Termination Board

By law, the board is made up of 3 members:

• a medical specialist in obstetrics and gynecology
• an additional medical specialist
• a social worker

There is at least one woman on every board, by law.

You can view the list of pregnancy termination boards (Hebrew) 

After the pregnancy has been terminated, we recommend seeking counseling and guidance on family planning (according to the reason for terminating the pregnancy), preventing further unwanted pregnancies, or genetic counseling (if required) before the next pregnancy.

You can receive counselling through HMO gynecology clinics, at health and family planning clinics, and public hospitals.