Most cases of abortion are illegal in Germany, which report says is not compatible with international standards

Most cases of abortion are illegal in Germany, which report says is not compatible with international standards

Abortions in Germany should be legalised within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, a government-appointed commission has recommended.

While abortion is rarely punished, it remains illegal in Germany, except for specific circumstances including when a woman’s life is in danger, or she is a victim of rape, while the prerequisite for any termination is a consultation with a state-recognised body.

Advocates of a law change have welcomed the investigation into the country’s legal framework, calling the law outdated and detrimental to women. Even in the cases not considered illegal, the procedure must take place within the first three months, except when there is a compelling reason to carry it out later.

The all-female expert commission on reproductive self-determination and reproductive medicine was set up by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party government after the desire to change the 153-year-old law was anchored in its coalition agreement.

  • barsoap@lemm.eeEnglish
    3·
    8 months ago

    The more problematic part of that paragraph was that “advertising abortion” is illegal,

    Noone cared about doctors having a quick paragraph about in on their webpage before an US evangelical went to court over it and courts found no way to interpret the language but to consider it advertisement, so they changed the law. AFAIU it was always intended to mean “don’t have billboards” but apparently the courts disagreed. IIRC they also added a register thing so that places offering counselling can give women a list of providers near them.