Germany Fails to Advance Critical Abortion Law Reform
Statement from the Center for Reproductive Rights on stalled abortion law reform in Germany
The Center for Reproductive Rights expresses deep disappointment over the failure of Germany’s Legal Affairs Committee to advance a cross-party proposal aimed at modernising the country’s outdated abortion laws and improving access to essential reproductive care.
Introduced in November, the proposal sought to fully legalise abortion on request up to 12 weeks and remove the mandatory three-day waiting period, among other key reforms. It followed a report from a government-appointed expert commission, released last year, which highlighted how Germany’s current abortion law falls short of international human rights and public health standards.
Following a public hearing on 10 February, the Committee failed to advance the proposal for a final debate and vote, effectively blocking any opportunity for reform before the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Adriana Lamačková, Associate Director for Europe at the Center for Reproductive Rights, said:
“Yesterday, German lawmakers failed to advance a critical reform to modernise Germany’s outdated abortion laws. This missed opportunity is deeply disappointing, as it leaves the country’s abortion regulation glaringly out of step with modern, evidence-based healthcare practices and international human rights standards. This inaction means that Germany’s outdated regulations will continue to perpetuate harmful stigma and impose barriers to essential reproductive healthcare for millions of women across the country. We urge lawmakers to remain steadfast in their commitment to reforming this archaic legislation and bring it in line with contemporary standards of care to safeguard women’s health, rights and autonomy.”
###
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mihela Kralj, Senior Communications Manager for Europe, Center for Reproductive Rights: [email protected]
Related Posts
Protected: German Commission Recommends Modernizing Country’s Abortion Law, After Center Submission
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Germany Faces Growing Pressure to Reform its Outdated Abortion Law
New law proposed by German organizations and experts builds on recommendations from a government-appointed expert commission.
Germany has a historic opportunity to modernise its abortion law
Center for Reproductive Rights welcomes presentation of new cross-party proposal to make abortion care equitable and more accessible
