Annual Observance of "Safe Abortion Day" being highlighted by Spotlight and Pro Familia
In the heart of Pforzheim, Germany, the Spotlight counseling center and Pro Familia Pforzheim have taken a stand, filling a display case with information on self-determination and various demands. They join a broader movement in Germany, pushing for more comprehensive reproductive rights and the decriminalization of abortion.
Claudia Jancura, the director of the Spotlight counseling center, and Julia Freiburg of Pro Familia Pforzheim, are among those advocating for comprehensive access to abortions, not just in Pforzheim, but throughout Germany. They believe that the decision to continue a pregnancy should be made only by the pregnant person.
The current status of abortion in Germany is governed by Paragraph 218 of the Criminal Code, a law that criminalizes abortion but allows non-punishable abortions up to the 12th week of pregnancy under specific conditions, including mandatory counseling. Abortions beyond the 12th week or without compliance with these conditions are punishable under this law.
Both organizations argue that this law is outdated and demand its complete abolition. They claim that the protection of "bodily autonomy" is crucial, and criminalization should be replaced with support and resources. They also demand the removal of structural barriers such as racism, disability, trans, and inter-phobia to ensure equal access to reproductive healthcare.
The organizations further argue that the "gender-specific criminalization" by law must "finally come to an end." They contend that the restriction of reproductive rights is often one of the first steps in the curtailment of the basic rights of minorities and marginalized persons.
While a commission of the federal government is currently working on reforming Paragraph 218, both Pro Familia Pforzheim and the Spotlight counseling center demand its complete abolition. They call for the abolition or significant reform of Paragraph 218 to eliminate criminal penalties and improve access to abortion services. However, explicit recent statements from them regarding their positions are not detailed in the search results.
September 28 has been internationally recognized as "Safe Abortion Day" since 1990. Actions taking place on this day aim to remind us that a safe abortion should be a right for affected women. As the debate continues, it is clear that organizations like Pro Familia Pforzheim and the Spotlight counseling center will continue to advocate for comprehensive reproductive healthcare in Germany.
