Increasing complexity: pregnant advice in the Emsland asked than ever!

Increasing complexity: pregnant advice in the Emsland asked than ever!

In the district of Emsland, the demand for pregnancy and pregnancy conflict advice remains high despite increasingly complex life situations. According to a report of the OSCARIER offer 13 advice centers in the region. The sponsorship of these institutions includes the Caritas Association, the Diakonisches Werk, the Social Service of Catholic Women as well as the Donum Vitae and Pro Familia.

The advice centers in Lingen (EMS), Meppen, Papenburg, Esterwegen, Sögel and Werlte are also responsible for conflict advice. A total of 3,398 consultations were held in 2024, which represents an increase compared to 3,362 in 2023. 2,806 women received support, including 425 women who claimed advice according to §§ 5 and 6 of the pregnancy conflict law. These consultations are free of charge, anonymous and help women to make independent decisions in emergency or conflict situations.

diverse support offers

The topics of advice are diverse and include offers of help, care or adoption options, as well as methods and risks of an abortion. Important aspects are psychosocial support, social law claims, financial help and health challenges. Many women are concerned about increasing cost of living, priceless living space and a tense economic situation.

Another center of advice is the support of refugees who often have to deal with linguistic barriers. In addition to individual consultations, the advice centers are also involved in sex education and public relations. In order to promote advice, the district of Emsland supports these offers annually with around 100,000 euros, which compensates for the funding gap in the state of Lower Saxony, since only 80 % of the costs for recognized pregnancy conflict advice centers are covered.

In Lower Saxony, there are around 400 recognized advice centers that are under the roof of the State Office for Social Affairs, Youth and Family. This is responsible for recognition, monitoring and financial support for the advice centers. The 1995 pregnant and family help change law regulates the requirements for help and support in conflict situations. Advice centers provide information about a wide range of topics such as sex education, family planning and social aid for pregnant women, such as niedersachsen.de reports.