“The nonsensical paragraph 219a is finally history. Its deletion was long overdue,” explains Gita Neumann, HVD Federal Representative for Medical Ethics. “Now it’s time to take the next step: The issue of abortion needs a comprehensive and fundamental overhaul.” The HVD Federal Association had already expressed this in its statement on the draft bill of the Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ) of February 10, 2022.
The HVD has long called for the deletion without replacement of the criminal law paragraph 219a, which currently prohibits doctors from publishing information on safe abortions. The Giessen-based general practitioner Kristina Hänel was convicted under criminal law on the basis of Section 219a because she had provided factual information on her website about the performance of abortions in her practice. The HVD Federal Association subsequently declared its solidarity with Kristina Hänel.
The complete abolition of the controversial Section 219a is an important first step. However, the coalition agreement only provides for the appointment of a review commission to remove abortion from criminal law.
