statistics
The number of abortions has increased in the past year
The Federal Statistical Office has presented figures on abortions in Germany
© Marijan Murat / DPA
There are still fewer abortions in Germany than in the early 2000s, but more than in the previous year. It is unclear what caused the slight increase.
Last year there were around 106,000 doctors in Germany Abortions performed. This emerges from figures from the Federal Statistical Office on Wednesday. This means there were 3.3 percent more abortions compared to the previous year. A total of around 104,000 cases were recorded in 2022. Last year’s value is the highest since 2012. At that time there were around 107,000.
A reason for the small increase is not known. “Based on the available data, there is no clear reason for the further increase,” said the Federal Statistical Office. When interpreting the data, however, it should be noted, among other things, that the population in the Federal Republic has also increased.
Abortions are still fundamentally punishable
According to the analysis, around 70 percent of women who had an abortion last year were between 18 and 34 years old. 19 percent were between 35 and 39 years old, eight percent were 40 years old and older. Three percent were minors.
To further classify the number of abortions: According to preliminary figures, around 631,000 children were born from January to November 2023. Data for December is not yet available.
Even after decades of political discussions, abortions remain illegal and a criminal offense in Germany. However, under certain circumstances they can remain unpunished if they are carried out within the first twelve weeks of pregnancy and those affected seek advice beforehand. Last year, 96 percent of abortions were such cases. According to statistics, the remaining four percent were carried out for medical reasons or after rape. These cases are expressly not illegal.
Sources: Federal Office of StatisticsDPA news agency