German Lawmakers Push to Remove Abortion from Criminal Code

A new proposal seeks to regulate abortion under health law, as polling shows overwhelming public support for decriminalization.

A coalition of SPD, Green, and Left Party lawmakers has introduced a proposal to remove abortion from Germany's criminal code, where it is currently classified as unlawful but conditionally exempt from punishment within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The proposed changes would regulate abortion under a new pregnancy conflict law, maintaining existing requirements such as mandatory counseling and a 12-week limit.
A recent Forsa survey indicates that 74% of Germans, including majorities across all age groups and religious affiliations, support legalizing abortion within the first trimester.
Opposition parties, including the CDU and AfD, argue that the move could polarize society, though polling suggests broad public consensus on the issue.
The proposal has garnered 240 parliamentary signatures but requires additional support to secure a majority in the Bundestag before February's early elections.