Justice Minister Hubig Advocates for Revising Abortion Law in Germany

In Germany, abortion remains a contentious issue, particularly regarding its legal status within the first trimester. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has recently expressed openness to amending the current regulations that deem abortions in the first three months illegal, although they remain unpunished. Hubig emphasized the need to balance women's rights to make decisions about their own bodies with the need to protect unborn life.

In her comments to a major German publication, Hubig noted that public opinion largely favors the removal of the legal prohibition on early-term abortions, transcending party lines and religious affiliations. She remarked on the difficulty many face in accessing medical professionals willing to perform abortions, a situation she attributes to the existing legal framework that creates a paradox of being "unpunished but illegal."

Hubig indicated that any new legal approach would still require mandatory counseling for women considering an abortion, underlining the complexity of the decision and its implications for both the woman and the fetus. She also addressed the coalition agreement's provisions regarding abortion, which include expanding cost coverage for abortions by statutory health insurance beyond current regulations.

While she believes that changes could be made without altering Paragraph 218 of the Penal Code, which currently governs abortion laws, she expressed confidence in finding workable solutions through collaboration with legal experts within the Health Ministry.

The opposition, particularly the Union faction, remains steadfast in its position that the abortion law should remain unchanged. They argue that extending cost coverage for abortions could be feasible without reforming the existing legal protections for unborn life.

According to the latest statistics, approximately 106,000 abortions were reported in Germany in 2024, a slight increase from the previous year. Presently, health insurance covers the costs of abortions only in cases of medical necessity or following instances of sexual violence, with limited provisions for women of very low income through state-funded initiatives.

As the debate continues, the implications of any potential legal changes could significantly affect women's access to reproductive healthcare in Germany.