Health
More abortions reported – reasons unclear
An abortion in the first twelve weeks remains unpunished if the woman seeks advice beforehand. photo
© Hannes P. Albert/dpa
More women are choosing to have an abortion. The absolute numbers are rising again – after hitting a low in 2021. There is currently no solid information about the causes.
The numbers have been rising since the beginning of 2022. The reason for the development is not clear from the available data, especially since the personal reasons for the decision are not known, the Federal Office explained.
The numbers had tended to decline for years: in the entire year of 2001 there were just under 135,000 abortions, and in 2021 a low of around 94,500 abortions were recorded. But after that there was an increase to almost 104,000 interventions last year.
No punishment for the first twelve weeks
At 96 percent, the vast majority of abortions in the second quarter of 2023 were carried out under the so-called consultation regulation. An abortion in the first twelve weeks remains unpunished if the woman seeks advice beforehand. According to the information, indications for medical reasons and rape were present in four percent of cases.
The majority of women who had an abortion in the second quarter of 2023 were between 18 and 34 years old (70 percent), 19 percent were between 35 and 39 years old. Eight percent of the women were at least 40 years old and three percent were younger than 18 years. Around 42 percent had not previously given birth to a child, as the Federal Office announced.
In order to assess the numbers, the quota must be considered – i.e. the ratio to the total number of women of reproductive age, explained the organization Pro Familia. She offers counseling for women nationwide. However, this quota is only available with a delay. If the number of women has risen sharply, this could be a reason for the higher number of abortions, according to Pro Familia. The increase, which already existed in 2022, could also be due to a normalization effect after the corona pandemic.
Too few practices in southern Germany
Above all, the increase in absolute numbers raises the question of whether medical care is guaranteed given the shortage of doctors, said a spokeswoman for the organization. This is already the case in some areas and is even worse when it comes to abortions – because the topic is still partially stigmatized.
There are too few practices, especially in rural regions and generally in southern Germany, so women have to travel long distances. According to Pro Familia, there must be “human rights-compliant, local offers for medical care in the event of an abortion”.
Half of all interventions in the second quarter were performed using the suction method, and 37 percent used the Mifegyne agent. The abortions were predominantly carried out on an outpatient basis, 83 percent of which took place in doctors’ offices or surgical centers and 14 percent on an outpatient basis in hospitals.
Press release