Germany’s abortion law dates back to 1871, and despite reforms over the decades, it remains a criminal offence. Now, as the fight to remove §218 continues, patients and providers in Berlin are pushing for access that treats abortion as essential healthcare

15.09.2025

On February 10, over 300,000 signatures were handed over to German lawmakers in Berlin, urging them to finally remove abortion from the criminal code. Dozens of advocacy groups, including major trade unions, stood alongside politicians from the Greens, SPD and Die Linke, calling for a vote before the end of the legislative period. But just hours later, CDU and FDP leaders made it clear: there would be no vote. The long-anticipated attempt at reform failed – for now.

Abortion in Germany is still regulated under Section 218 of the German criminal code (Strafgesetzbuch, or StGB), which criminalises abortion except under specific conditions: a compulsory counselling session, a mandatory three-day waiting period and a gestational limit of 12 weeks. Pregnancies resulting from rape or posing a medical risk also qualify. Even then, it’s not technically legal – only exempt from punishment.

Continued: https://www.the-berliner.com/politics/why-is-abortion-still-a-crime-in-germany/