Autonomous choice is a fundamental human liberty - abortion outside the realm of criminal statutes
In Germany, the debate surrounding abortion rights continues, with various groups calling for a fundamental reform of the current legal framework. The Evangelical Women in Germany, along with several other organizations, have been vocal advocates for a more compassionate and just approach to this sensitive issue.
The Evangelical Women in Germany's emphasis on empathetic accompaniment of women in conflict situations reflects the compassionate aspect of their advocacy. This compassionate approach is rooted in their interpretation of the Bible, which calls for respectful, empathetic accompaniment of women in difficult circumstances.
Pastor Birgit Reiche, managing director of the Evangelical Women's Aid in Westphalia e.V. (EFHiW), is one such advocate. She has called on the federal government to take concrete steps towards law reform, urging the removal of § 218 from the criminal code in the interest of social justice, medical care, and human rights-based legislation.
The German Medical Assembly has also spoken out in favor of decriminalization, signaling a need for legal changes. They argue that mandatory counseling and criminal sanctions create obstacles and delay care, potentially endangering women's physical and mental health.
The Alliance for Sexual Self-Determination, the German Women's Council, EFHiW, and other organizations are advocating for the decriminalization of abortions. They argue that self-determination, physical integrity, and social justice are central values that call for a new regulation from a Christian perspective.
However, the current regulation of abortion according to § 218 StGB is increasingly criticized. Structural stigmatization of unintentionally pregnant women and doctors occurs due to the placement of abortions in the criminal code. Supply gaps, especially in rural regions, make it difficult to access medically safe abortions. The ELSA study indicates that many affected people have difficulty obtaining reliable information and local supply for abortions.
The ban by the Christian Clinic Lippstadt against its chief physician, Prof. Dr. med. Joachim Volz, to perform abortions for medical reasons, has further fueled discussions. The Evangelical Women in Germany's resolution underscores the need for a fundamental reform of abortion laws from a Christian perspective.
The Evangelical Women in Germany argue that the Bible does not provide a clear position on abortions. Instead, they emphasize the importance of a new regulation from a Christian perspective that prioritizes compassion, empathy, and the well-being of women.
In summary, Germany's abortion law remains restrictive with partial allowances but no full decriminalization. Feminist, theological, and medical arguments converge on the need to remove criminal penalties to uphold women’s rights and health while recognizing the complex societal, legal, and political environment influencing reform efforts. The voices of advocates like Pastor Birgit Reiche and the Evangelical Women in Germany are significant additions to the calls for decriminalization of abortions in Germany.
[References] [1] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-abortion-law-remains-controversial/a-59280465 [2] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/abtreibung-in-deutschland-die-lange-geschichte-a-1249442.html [3] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-abortion-debate-focuses-on-counseling-requirements/a-59359849 [4] https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-abortion-law-remains-controversial/a-59280465 [5] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-debates-abortion-ban-after-christian-clinic-bans-doctor/a-59403967
- The Evangelical Women in Germany, along with other organizations, are advocating for a fundamental reform of the current abortion laws from a Christian perspective, focusing on compassion, empathy, and the well-being of women.
- Pastor Birgit Reiche, an advocate for the Evangelical Women's Aid in Westphalia e.V., has called on the federal government to take concrete steps towards decriminalizing abortions, arguing that this move is necessary for social justice, medical care, and human rights-based legislation.
- The German Medical Assembly has also spoken out in favor of decriminalization, stating that mandatory counseling and criminal sanctions create obstacles and delay care, potentially endangering women's physical and mental health.
- In the debate surrounding abortion rights in Germany, the Alliance for Sexual Self-Determination, the German Women's Council, EFHiW, and other organizations argue that self-determination, physical integrity, and social justice are central values that call for a new regulation from a Christian perspective, moving towards full decriminalization.
