Dispute over paragraph 218: Union and SPD split over abortion

Dispute over paragraph 218: Union and SPD split over abortion

Dithmarschen, Deutschland - In Germany, the debate about paragraph 218, which regulates pregnancy, revolves. The distinction in the interpretation of the regulations for interrupting pregnancy within the coalition parties Union and SPD ensures plenty of conversation. While the CDU is on the brake in terms of reform, the SPD sees a step in the right direction in the current coalition negotiations.

CDU legal politician Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker emphasizes that a change in paragraph 218 is not anchored in the coalition agreement. She argues that such a change in contradiction to the state's obligation to protect against the unborn and the case law of the Federal Constitutional Court would be. The Union does not consider the reform as necessary and interprets the formulations in the contract as an improvement in financial support for needy women. The costs of abortions with low incomes are already covered by the federal states, while the health insurance companies only forward applications, according to Winkelmeier-Becker. Boyens Medien reports of these different views.

SPD claims for a reform

In contrast, SPD legal expert Carmen Wegge sees the opportunity to expand the assumption of costs for abortions and make them a cash benefit. In her opinion, legalization of abortions in the early phase would be essential, since only lawful interventions can be financed by the health insurance companies. Before the last federal election, the SPD had brought in a bill to legalize abortions in the early phase, which, however, failed due to the Union's resistance. Tagesschau highlights the background of the discussion about the topic.

also Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, which was nominated by the SPD for the Federal Constitutional Court, refers to a wording in the coalition agreement, which is intended to promote access to medical care for women in conflict situations. In their opinion, this requires a corresponding legalization.

Current legal situation and debate

The paragraph 218 of the Criminal Code decides that abortions in Germany are illegal, but remain unpunished under certain conditions. Around 100,000 women in Germany are currently moving in a area of tension between the legal framework and personal fate. The legally prescribed consultations three days before a planned intervention as well as certain medical and criminological indications represent important points. BMFSFJ provides a comprehensive overview of the regulations.

An alliance of various organizations has long been calling for a reform to make abortions legal in the first twelve weeks. Emotions and moral aspects are always important in the discussion, but politics is currently not very inclined by a fundamental reform, as experts emphasize. The FDP, which is considered a potential key player, has not yet moved into a clear position. However, their demand for more time for the discussion could give the current blockages more space.