Health Minister Hermans has decided that the 13-week ultrasound will no longer be offered from 1 January 2028. The examination has been available since 2021 as part of a scientific study, alongside the standard 20-week ultrasound, to detect birth defects earlier in pregnancy.

The Health Council recently advised against making the examination a permanent part of prenatal care, citing inaccurate results, unnecessary referrals and missed abnormalities. Hermans is also rejecting further research into the examination because of concerns about causing pregnant people unnecessary anxiety after false alarms. She wants an integrated review of the entire prenatal-screening process and may seek a new Health Council opinion if scientific developments warrant it.