An ancient criminal law restricts the possibility of terminating a pregnancy in Germany. According to Section 218, women only remain unpunished under certain conditions. The regulation came into being during the imperial era; the last attempt at reform was 30 years ago. Is abortion law still relevant?
In the USA, this question is potentially decisive for the election; many women fear a reactionary government. France, on the other hand, has just enshrined “freedom to have an abortion” in its constitution. Germany stands in between with its current compromise solution.
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"If you're against abortion, don't have one": Counter-protest to the "March for Life" 2023 in Munich
Photo:
leo.fge / aal.photo / IMAGO
The traffic light coalition has already abolished the so-called advertising ban for abortions, but the SPD and the Greens want more. Abortions should finally be regulated outside the criminal code; a commission will soon present proposals on this matter. But the FDP is threatening to block reform.
The fear of a culture war resonates in the traffic light dispute. Radical “life defenders” have been mobilizing against any abortion rights for years, supported by Catholic bishops and ethnic ideologues. The Union parties distance themselves from this, but oppose reforms. At the same time, there are fewer and fewer doctors who perform abortions - and the supply situation could continue to worsen.
In the podcast, SPIEGEL editor Milena Hassenkamp reports on her months of research in political circles, at demos and in doctors' offices.
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“Sstimmenfang” is SPIEGEL’s political podcast. For everyone who wants to understand Germany better. Marius Mestermann discusses the political topic of the week with his guests. New every Thursday.
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