On Saturday, April 13, several thousand supporters and opponents of abortion staged demonstrations in Munich. According to the police, approximately 2,500 individuals participated in the ‘March for Life’, a demonstration advocating for stricter abortion laws. In response, a counter-protest consisting of around 1,000 individuals marched in support of women’s right to choose.
“I think it is simply a matter of public health that we discuss, and we support a movement where women can get the health that they deserve,” Maria, who attended the pro-choice demonstration, said. “This movement is for me the basis of an egalitarian society - which is what we should be striving for.”
“Of course, we have already achieved an incredible amount for women when it comes to education, for example. We have practically achieved equality if you like,” said Sonja. “But there are simply still many areas of our society where equality does not yet exist. And when it comes to the right to self-determination of one's own body, we simply still have a lot to do.” On the other side were those who perceived the issue not through the lens of bodily autonomy or reproductive rights, but rather see it as a struggle for recognizing the human rights of unborn children. “I am here to give a voice to the weakest members of our human family, especially the unborn. To simply give them the opportunity to really have human rights. The greatest human right, the human right to life,” said Sarah. “Because the right to life is at stake, the right to life is highly endangered for the unborn as well as for the elderly. And this must be protected,” said Josef.
“Of course, we have already achieved an incredible amount for women when it comes to education, for example. We have practically achieved equality if you like,” said Sonja. “But there are simply still many areas of our society where equality does not yet exist. And when it comes to the right to self-determination of one's own body, we simply still have a lot to do.” On the other side were those who perceived the issue not through the lens of bodily autonomy or reproductive rights, but rather see it as a struggle for recognizing the human rights of unborn children. “I am here to give a voice to the weakest members of our human family, especially the unborn. To simply give them the opportunity to really have human rights. The greatest human right, the human right to life,” said Sarah. “Because the right to life is at stake, the right to life is highly endangered for the unborn as well as for the elderly. And this must be protected,” said Josef.
Abortion is currently illegal in Germany. However, according to a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court, it is not punishable under certain circumstances: a woman who wants to undergo an abortion in Germany must attend counseling at a certified center and provide proof of such counseling to a clinic. The clinic can then perform an abortion within the first trimester of the pregnancy. Similarly, an abortion is not punishable if it follows a criminal case or if there are health indications that necessitate the procedure.
According to media reports, experts who were recently appointed by the coalition government are suggesting that abortion should be permitted during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy.
On Monday, April 15, the commission is set to present its proposals for reforming the abortion law. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has also announced his intention to make a statement on the matter.
According to media reports, experts who were recently appointed by the coalition government are suggesting that abortion should be permitted during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy.
On Monday, April 15, the commission is set to present its proposals for reforming the abortion law. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has also announced his intention to make a statement on the matter.
Source: Reuters
