Human autonomy is a fundamental human entitlement - decriminalization of abortion
In Germany, a non-discriminatory, comprehensive, and law-based regulation of abortions is demanded by various organisations, including the German Women's Council, the coalition for sexual self-determination, and Pastor Birgit Reiche's Evangelical Women's Help in Westphalia e.V. (EFHiW).
Pastor Birgit Reiche, Managing Director of EFHiW, renews her call for the removal of § 218 from the criminal code, advocating for abortions to be recognised as part of medical basic care. She also emphasises the need for integration into medical training and financing by health insurance companies.
The German Medical Assembly has spoken out in favour of decriminalization, but the exact stance of EFHiW on this matter is not clear from the available data. Historically, evangelical groups in Germany have tended to adopt conservative stances on abortion, advocating for protection of unborn life rather than decriminalization. However, without explicit recent information, it is reasonable to infer that EFHiW’s position might be cautious or opposed to full decriminalization.
The ELSA study shows that many affected people have difficulties obtaining reliable information and local supply for medically safe abortions. The demand for a time limit outside the criminal code, accompanied by a legal claim to qualified, barrier-free counseling and comprehensive medical care, is reiterated by EFHiW and the German Women's Council.
Abortion remains a contentious issue in Germany, with the country maintaining partial decriminalization with restrictive conditions. Abortion is illegal except under certain conditions, such as during the first 12 weeks with mandatory counseling, reflecting partial decriminalization rather than full legalization.
The ongoing legal and societal debate in Germany and Europe broadly tends toward cautious legal reforms rather than outright liberalization or full decriminalization. Judicial bodies like the European Court of Human Rights and national legislatures are seeing shifts towards nuanced legal regimes that allow abortion in certain cases, such as rape and health risks, but without wide consensus for full decriminalization.
Pastor Birgit Reiche urges the federal government to take immediate action, stating that a law reform is long overdue and necessary in the interest of social justice, medical care, and human rights-based legislation. As of mid-2025, the exact current advocacy positions of EFHiW or related coalitions are not available in public search results, and a direct inquiry or review of their official communications would be needed for a more precise understanding.
- Pastor Birgit Reiche, from EFHiW, continues to advocate for science-based policies, pushing for the removal of § 218 from the criminal code and integration of abortion care into medical training and health insurance coverage.
- The health-and-wellness sector, including EFHiW and the German Women's Council, stresses the need for comprehensive services and accessible information for those seeking safe abortions, as highlighted in the ELSA study.
- Mental-health advocates join the call for policy-and-legislation reforms, emphasizing the importance of qualified, barrier-free counseling and holistic care for those facing abortion decisions.
- In the midst of ongoing debate in politics and general-news circles, the pressure for cautious legal reforms, such as extensions of time limits and consideration for exceptional cases like rape and health risks, remains strong across Europe.
