A legislative proposal aimed at legalizing abortions within the first twelve weeks of pregnancy has failed to progress in the German Bundestag.

The Legal Committee of the Bundestag decided against holding a vote on the bill due to a lack of majority support, particularly from the Union and Free Democratic Party (FDP).

This decision followed extensive debate and reflects the ongoing controversy surrounding Paragraph 218, which currently criminalizes abortion in Germany.

Members of the SPD and Greens expressed disappointment over the committee's decision, accusing the Union and FDP of undermining democratic processes.

Civil society organizations are increasing pressure for a vote, with over 50 groups submitting an urgent appeal and petitions signed by more than 300,000 people.

The proposed reform sought to decriminalize abortions up to twelve weeks while maintaining a counseling requirement, but faced significant opposition.

Experts provided their opinions to the Legal Committee shortly before the last regular session of the legislative period, but the likelihood of a vote remained low.

In 2023, more than 102,000 abortions were performed in Germany under the existing counseling regulation, highlighting the demand for reform.

Public sentiment appears to favor the reform, with surveys indicating that approximately 80% of Germans support liberalizing abortion laws.

Currently, abortions in Germany are illegal under Paragraph 218, but they can be performed without penalty within the first twelve weeks if the woman undergoes counseling.

Despite the push for reform, further progress on abortion rights in Germany is unlikely before the upcoming federal elections.

Carmen Wegge, an SPD Bundestag member and co-initiator of the initiative, lamented the decision as a missed opportunity for advancing women's rights.