Self-determination in pregnancy conflict counseling

“The desire for a prudent and modern practice of family planning is just as highly valued by humanists as the desire for a family or children themselves.” This was stated by Dr. Ines Scheibe, member of the executive committee of the Humanist Association of Germany (HVD), on Tuesday on the occasion of recent statements by the Archbishop of Cologne, Joachim Meisner. He criticized pregnancy counselling centres of the German Working Group for Youth, Marriage and Family Counselling, which also include information about the possibility of abortion in their services. Meisner also announced that institutions that deviate from church teachings should not receive any support. With this in mind, Scheibe again emphasized that the HVD always seeks cooperation with like-minded partners. The purpose of the association is to promote humanity on a secular basis. The focus is on the conviction that people can lead and demand a self-determined and responsible life without submitting to religious beliefs. This includes dialogue with organizations based on humanity, whether Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, Confucian or even without any religious affiliation. “We therefore advocate that the existing wishes of people in Germany to have children can actually be realized, as well as the right to decide against pregnancy in case of doubt,” Scheibe continued. Practical humanism aims to provide the best possible information before, during and after pregnancy, as well as the right and ability to self-determination. Scientific findings, rational considerations and individual feelings are at the heart of this. An ultimate obligation to terminate pregnancies based on religious beliefs without considering the legitimate interests of the mother is just as unacceptable to humanists as an obligation to forego modern forms of contraception. “For us as an association, contemporary pregnancy conflict counseling, which addresses women’s problems with seriousness, professional competence and genuine compassion, and committed work towards a society that promotes the joy of children and family are not contradictory, but belong together,” says Scheibe. Cooperation based on understanding is crucial to this. On behalf of the association’s executive committee, Dr. Ines Scheibe therefore invited everyone to find, clarify and implement common concerns in the field of pregnancy, family and life counselling.