Support the Decriminalization
of Abortion in Germany
Sign the petition and urge lawmakers to reform Paragraph 218
Repro Uncensored and Bündnis für Sexuelle Selbstbestimmung are lighting up Berlin to call on citizens and lawmakers to stand up for abortion rights and demand decriminalization.
Abortion is healthcare, not a crime*. Yet in Germany, it remains criminalized under Paragraph 218**—a 19th-century law that imposes legal and social barriers rather than ensuring timely medical care. Fully decriminalizing abortion would improve access across urban and rural areas, protect patient rights, reduce stigma, and guarantee safer outcomes through regulated medical standards. It would also expand access for marginalized communities, provide legal protections for patients and providers, and align Germany with international human rights standards.
Despite 80% public support***, abortion remains criminalized under Paragraph 218. A new proposal to decriminalize abortion is at risk of failing due to procedural delays in Parliament and conservative parties blocking the law by delaying parlement procedures. If it doesn’t pass before the end of this legislative term, the process must restart—keeping pregnant people and providers at risk of criminalization for giving or receiving essential healthcare. We can’t let that happen.
What would the proposal do?
Legalize first-trimester abortion with health insurance coverage
Remove the three-day waiting period
Transfer regulation from criminal law to healthcare law
How You Can Help
Sign the Petition – Demand immediate decriminalization here
Join the Rally:
📍 Paul-Löbe-Haus, Berlin
📅 February 10, 2025
⏰ 2:30 PMLawmakers: Act Now – Pass the reforms to Paragraph 218 without delay and ensure abortion is recognized as healthcare, not a crime.
Spread the Word – Share this page and use #LegalizeAbortionGermany to raise awareness.
If You or Someone You Know Needs Abortion Care or Information in Germany:
Profamilia Germany – Counseling and Abortion Services – Information on reproductive health services, including abortion counseling.
Hilfetelefon – Violence Against Women Hotline – 24/7 support and counseling for those affected by violence, including reproductive health advice.
Familienplanungszentrum BALANCE – Offers family planning, pregnancy counseling, and abortion services in Berlin.
Women on Web – Access to abortion information and care worldwide.
*Resources:
World Health Organization (WHO) – Abortion Care Factsheet
Bündnis für Sexuelle Selbstbestimmung – Comprehensive information on the history and current fight against Paragraph 218
Deutsche Welle (DW) – Germany’s Abortion Law Explained – Background on the legal framework and its origins in the late 19th century
German Campaigners Demand Abortion Be Fully Legalised – France 24
Germany: A Bill That Would Legalize Abortion Will Be Debated in Germany’s Parliament – German Campaigners Demand Abortion Be Fully Legalized