SGP files motion of disapproval against health minister over late abortions
The SGP has filed a motion of disapproval against health minister Sophie Hermans over her policy on abortions between 22 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.
The SGP filed a motion of disapproval against health minister Sophie Hermans (VVD) during the debate on the health ministry (VWS) budget.
The motion concerns Hermans' policy on late abortions, those between 22 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.
SGP MP Diederik van Dijk said on Thursday evening that he could "do no other" than file the motion. It targets the way the cabinet is handling late abortions for a social reason, such as money worries or a broken relationship.
Van Dijk added: "Even a pause for a fundamental political and societal debate turns out to be too much to ask."
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SGP (Staatkundig Gereformeerde Partij)
The SGP is a Dutch Christian political party, the Reformed political party (Staatkundig Gereformeerde Partij), which takes part in national elections. Its members sit in the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer), where they can table motions, ask questions and vote on legislation and the budget.
motie van afkeuring
A motion of disapproval (motie van afkeuring) is a formal motion in the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) that expresses parliament's disapproval of a minister's conduct or policy. It is put to a vote, usually during a debate such as the budget debate, and if a majority adopts it, it is a clear political signal with no automatic legal consequences. It is a weaker instrument than a motion of no confidence (motie van wantrouwen).