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The penalty of 6,000 euros fine suffered by the gynecologist Kristina Haenel was the trigger of the difficult debates of the last months. Silas Stein / dpa / AFP

In Germany, abortion is allowed during the first three months of pregnancy, but the legal framework, including the Penal Code, remains strict. Abortion is officially illegal except in some cases. In recent months, the threat of lawsuits against doctors who mentioned on their website that they were practicing abortion provoked intense debate. A new law, the result of a laborious compromise, was adopted in the German Parliament this Thursday, January 21st.

With our correspondent in Berlin, Pascal Thibaut

The € 6,000 fine imposed on a German gynecologist has been the trigger for the difficult debates of recent months. This female doctor had been criticized for having indicated on her website that she practiced abortions and what methods she used. An article of the Penal Code prohibits what may look like advertising for abortion.

The condemnation of the gynecologist provoked an outcry from left-wing parties and feminist organizations who felt that information on doctors' websites could not be equated with commercial promotion of abortion. These groups argued for an outright abolition of Article 219a of the Penal Code. A claim categorically rejected by conservative parties.

Long and difficult negotiations took place between social and Christian Democrats within the grand coalition to find a compromise avoiding prosecution of gynecologists.

On arrival, the text adopted Thursday by the grand coalition provides that doctors can mention on their website that they practice abortion. Any other details including the methods used will be prohibited. Links will return to family plans that can provide additional information to the women concerned.