Germany’s abortion law faces scrutiny as a government-appointed commission recommends legalizing abortions within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This call for reform underscores the outdated nature of the current law, which dates back 153 years. While abortion remains technically illegal in Germany, exceptions are made for cases such as when a woman’s life is in danger or instances of rape, albeit with the requirement of a consultation with a state-recognized body beforehand.

The commission, comprised entirely of female experts on reproductive self-determination and reproductive medicine, was established following Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government’s commitment to address abortion law in the coalition agreement. Their report highlights the inconsistency of Germany’s current law with international standards, advocating for modernization to safeguard women’s reproductive rights better.

Opposition to the proposed changes comes from lawmakers, particularly the conservative Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union alliance and the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. They argue that the existing law protects the unborn and is widely accepted. Furthermore, they express concerns that broadening access to abortion could lead to a rise in terminations.

The AfD, in particular, advocates for tightening the existing law, citing worries about the prevalence of abortions and suggesting that higher birth rates would reduce the need for immigration, aligning with their anti-immigration stance.

However, proponents of change argue that the current inclusion of abortion in the penal code leaves room for future governments to impose punishments for terminations. With the AfD’s recent rise in polls, there is a sense of urgency among campaigners to enact reforms to protect women’s reproductive rights.

Ultimately, while the government is not obligated to accept the commission’s recommendations, the debate surrounding Germany’s abortion law highlights the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights and the necessity for legal reform to align with modern ethical and medical standards.