Germany is discussing abortion again. A commission of experts suggests liberalizing abortion paragraph 218, but the traffic light coalition apparently does not dare to implement it. This raises prominent opposition. In the star critics speak out.
There are three numbers that criminalize one of the most common gynecological treatments: 218. This paragraph makes abortions illegal, although under certain circumstances they are possible without punishment up to the twelfth week. For example, unintentionally pregnant women are required to have a consultation and then wait at least three days.
In an open letter, more than 100 celebrities are now calling for this legal basis to be removed. The anchoring in criminal law contributes to this “precarious supply situation” of unwanted pregnant women, it says in the open. The initiators are Kristina Lunz from the Center for Feminist Foreign Policy and Annika Kreitlow, gynecologist and spokesperson for the Alliance for Sexual Self-Determination.
Expert commission against ban: Will abortion become a fundamental right or will it remain a criminal offense?
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Scientific findings support the claims of Lunz and Kreitlow. A few days ago, the first comprehensive analysis of the care situation for unwanted pregnant women in Germany was published. Although abortions are one of the most common gynecological treatments, those affected and medical staff experience stigmatization and difficult access depending on the region.
One in four gynecologists who perform abortions said in the study that they had been threatened or attacked in public. The number of doctors carrying out the procedure has also decreased significantly: in 2003, according to the Federal Statistical Office, there were twice as many as today. This means that those affected often have to travel more than 40 minutes to receive treatment – an additional hurdle.
Legalization of abortion: why now?
The renewed debate was triggered by the results of a commission, which were presented on Monday. 18 experts from medicine, psychology, sociology, ethics and law spent a year studying German abortion law and came to the following conclusion: “There is a need for regulation that ensures the legality and impunity of abortions in the early stages”.
The traffic light coalition has commissioned the Commission, but seems to be shying away from implementing the results. Responsible department heads such as Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) warned of another on Monday “Debate that divides society”. The RTL/n-tv trend barometer on Monday, however, came to a different conclusion: to legalize abortions.
The open letter fits into this gap. It calls on the coalition to delete Section 218 without replacement, to regulate abortion law outside of criminal law and to abolish mandatory counseling and waiting times. This is also justified by the fear of one “Shift to the right”: “The fight against right-wing extremism and the shift to the right also requires the defense and support of women’s rights, as they are among the first victims of right-wing and right-wing extremist politics.”
“It’s time to give women back control of their own bodies”
More than 100 celebrities signed the letter. At the star some of them say.
Sources: ,
Transparency note: The star is part of RTL Deutschland.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
