"A total of 328 cross-party MPs are backing a motion to reform the laws on abortion in Germany before snap elections next year. Carmen Wegge from the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) and Ulle Schauws from the Green Party are leading the campaign to get rid of paragraph 218 before Germans go to the polls to vote for a new parliament on February 23rd 2025."
"Abortions are technically illegal under Section 218 of the German criminal code, which dates back to 1871. However, a constitutional court ruling ultimately paved the way for a softening of the legislation 30 years ago. This means that today, abortions are tolerated in practice and are not punishable for women who are up to 12 weeks pregnant. Women also have to receive compulsory counselling and wait three days before an abortion can take place."
"Abortion is illegal in Germany Germany is known as a progressive country from the outside so it surprises many people to find out about the restrictive - and somewhat contradictory - rules on reproductive rights. There are also exceptions for women who have been raped or whose life is in danger. In all of these cases, people can end a pregnancy without facing any legal consequences. Abortion is generally not covered by statutory health insurance in Germany and can cost anywhere between 200 and 650."
A cross-party group of 328 MPs, led by Carmen Wegge (SPD) and Ulle Schauws (Greens), is campaigning to remove paragraph 218 and reform abortion law before the February 2025 election. The Bundestag can still pass laws despite the traffic-light coalition breakdown, but the proposal requires at least 367 votes to become law. Section 218 technically makes abortion illegal, dating to 1871, but a constitutional court decision softened enforcement three decades ago. Abortions up to 12 weeks are tolerated with compulsory counselling and a three-day wait; exceptions exist for rape or danger to life. Abortions are usually not covered by statutory insurance and typically cost €200–€650.
Read at www.thelocal.de
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