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Advocates of a law change have welcomed the investigation into the country’s legal framework, calling the law outdated and detrimental to women.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.

  • Lhianna@feddit.deEnglish
    51·
    7 months ago

    Abortion is illegal in Germany. It’s not being prosecuted under specific circumstances but it’s generally illegal. That’s what is supposed to be changed.

    • blackn1ght@feddit.ukEnglish
      1·
      7 months ago

      I had no it was illegal in Germany, I just assumed it was legal up to a term limit. Do German women go across to a neighbouring country?

      • Lhianna@feddit.deEnglish
        8·
        7 months ago

        No. It’s decriminalized within the first twelve weeks after having a counseling session with an acknowledged center. It’s still technically illegal though and until recently doctors were not even allowed to mention on their homepage that they performed abortions

    • Linkerbaan@lemmy.worldEnglish
      23·
      7 months ago

      Thanks for clarifying this. I misunderstood and thought it is currently only legal after three months.

      • Dulusa@lemmy.worldEnglish
        31·
        7 months ago

        People seem to have issues understanding the texts of laws.

        It’s only illegal if these 3 things aren’t met.

        1. You got a counseling prior
        2. It’s done by a physician
        3. It happens until week 12 after conception

        I don’t think these things are unreasonable at all

        • barsoap@lemm.eeEnglish
          4·
          7 months ago

          No it’s still illegal under those conditions but the state can’t prosecute you for it if they are met. It is a weird legal situation, if it doesn’t make sense then you probably understand it.