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German Abortion Law Debate
A proposed German law seeks to decriminalize abortion, sparking controversy and strong reactions from CDU leader Friedrich Merz.
German
Germany
PoliticsHealthGermany Gender IssuesControversyLawAbortion
CduSpdBundestag
Friedrich MerzOlaf Scholz
- What is the current legal status of abortion in Germany?
- Currently, abortion is prohibited in Germany, but it is straffrei (not punishable) up to the 12th week with mandatory counseling and in certain circumstances, like rape or medical necessity.
- What is the main proposal of the German Bundestag initiative regarding abortion?
- The proposed legislation aims to decriminalize abortion in Germany up to the 12th week of pregnancy and eliminate the mandatory three-day waiting period between counseling and the procedure.
- What are the key changes regarding criminal liability under the proposed legislation?
- The proposed law would only hold doctors criminally liable if an abortion is performed without the required counseling; women would no longer face penalties.
- How did CDU leader Friedrich Merz react to the initiative and Chancellor Scholz's support?
- CDU leader Friedrich Merz strongly criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz for supporting the initiative, calling it "scandalous" and warning that it could cause a major conflict in Germany.
- What is the timeline for voting on the proposed bill, and how has it been received by Merz?
- Supporters want the Bundestag to vote on the bill before the upcoming election on February 23rd, which Merz called an "affront."