Since 2002, abortion in Switzerland has been regulated by the time-limit model (Fristenlösung). What does that mean?
In der Schweiz sind seit 2002 Abtreibungen mit der Fristenlösung geregelt. Was bedeutet das?
Correct answer: A
- A A woman may decide freely until the 12th week of pregnancy whether she wants to keep the child.Eine Frau darf bis zur 12. Woche der Schwangerschaft frei entscheiden, ob sie das Kind behalten will.
- B A woman needs her husband's permission to have an abortion.Eine Frau braucht die Erlaubnis ihres Ehemannes, um abzutreiben.
- C Abortion is prohibited in all cases.Abtreibung ist in jedem Fall verboten.
- D Abortion is only permitted if the parents are not married.Abtreibung ist nur erlaubt, wenn die Eltern nicht verheiratet sind.
Why
The time-limit model has a time limit: in the first 12 weeks, the woman herself decides on an abortion.
Exam answer: «Die Frau entscheidet bis zur 12. Woche frei.» More precisely: she must request the abortion in writing and state that she is in a situation of distress; a doctor must advise her (StGB Art. 119; BJ).
Common mistakes
- B: A woman needs her husband's permission to have an abortion.
- The woman decides herself. She does not need her husband's permission.
- C: Abortion is prohibited in all cases.
- Abortion is not prohibited. In the first 12 weeks it is not punishable.
Topic
Bringing up children and the time-limit model
Bringing up children is mainly the task of the parents. They provide care, education and protection. School and the state support the parents but do not replace them. Only if a child's well-being is at risk does an authority step in: the child and adult protection authority (KESB).
Living in Switzerland
Marriage, family and housing
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 144 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.