Loosening Abortion Regulations: German Medical Association Proposes Change
- *
Discussion on Overturning Abortion Legislation Gathering - Healthcare Professionals' Day Campaign Pushing for the Abolition of Abortion Services
In a notable shift, the German Medical Association has advocated for a loosening of abortion rules in Germany, as reported by both the "German Medical Journal" and the "Doctors' Newspaper". During a recent assembly in Leipzig, a resolution was passed.
The professional body suggests regulating abortions outside the Criminal Code during the initial twelve weeks of pregnancy. They maintain the necessity of mandatory counseling for unintentionally pregnant women.
In their view, this move strengthens the supply for unintentionally pregnant women and offers legal certainty for the medical professionals performing the procedure. They believe that this regulation could safeguard both the unborn life and the woman's rights.
For now, such a step politically isn't forthcoming. Although the SPD and Greens advocated for this change before the February federal election, they failed to secure the necessary majority in the Bundestag. A draft by over 300 members of parliament had proposed that abortions up to the twelfth week after conception be regulated outside the Criminal Code.
Key Points from German Politics: Your Weekly Recap
Sign up for Capital Newsletter - Stay informed with the most significant updates from Berlin, curated by our expert team!
In Germany, as per Section 218 of the German Criminal Code, abortions are illegal. However, they are exempt from punishment within the first twelve weeks of pregnancy if counseling has been sought prior, or in cases of certain medical conditions, rape, or when the pregnancy poses a serious risk to the mother's life or health.
Critics argue that the existing regulation criminalizes abortion, creating obstacles to acquiring high-quality care, stigmatizing women, and service providers offering abortion services.
- German Medical Association
- Abortion Rule
- Liberalization
- Berlin
- Leipzig
Further Insights:
- Abortion laws in Germany were enacted in 1995 and have remained remarkably restrictive compared to other European countries.
- There is significant public advocacy, including from the German Medical Association, pushing for reform, with the aim of making abortion a genuinely accessible healthcare service.
- Some political parties and civil society groups are lobbying for Germany to align its laws with international standards, such as eliminating mandatory counseling and waiting period requirements, and ensuring equitable access for all groups.
- Despite support for reform, major legislative changes have not yet been implemented, but the debate around possible changes remains active.
- The German Medical Association, based in Berlin, has advocated for a change in the existing abortion rules, suggesting regulation of abortions outside the Criminal Code during the initial twelve weeks of pregnancy.
- In addition to its push for loosening abortion regulations, the German Medical Association also proposes mandatory counseling for women who find themselves unintentionally pregnant.
- According to the German Medical Association, this liberalization of abortion regulations would strengthen the supply of services for unintentionally pregnant women, offering legal certainty for medical professionals performing the procedure.
- The German Medical Association believes that this regulation could safeguard both the unborn life and the woman's rights, while critics argue that the current regulations criminalize abortion, creating obstacles to high-quality care and stigmatizing women and service providers.
- As part of the debate around possible changes, the German Medical Association and various political parties and civil society groups are pushing for reform, aiming to make abortion a genuinely accessible healthcare service in line with international standards.
