Green demand to abolish paragraph 96: women's right to self -determination!

Green demand to abolish paragraph 96: women's right to self -determination!

On April 6, 2025, Meri Disoski, women's spokeswoman for the Greens, urged the abolition of paragraph 96 of the Austrian Criminal Code, which criminalized the abortions. Disoski described this paragraph as a relic from the last century, which restricts the freedom of choice of women and endangers their health. She emphasized the gap between the reproductive freedom of men and the hurdles that women stand in front of. "It is time for us to respect the right of every woman to decide on her body," says Disoski.

In Austria, abortions are only punished in the first three months, which is recorded in § 97 of the Criminal Code. This says that a termination of pregnancy is not punishable if it is carried out within the first three months after the start of pregnancy and is carried out by a doctor after previous medical advice. However, there are also strict exceptions, such as in cases of serious health risks for the child's pregnant or serious impairments of the child. Nevertheless, no doctor is obliged to break down unless this is necessary to save the pregnant woman from an immediate danger to life.

reform needs and existing hurdles

disoski emphasizes that despite these legal regulations, there are numerous hurdles that make women access to abortions. Many women do not find the necessary support or medical care in their living environment, since public hospitals often do not perform any abortions. There are also high costs that represent an additional financial burden. The Greens are therefore calling for a fundamental reform: abortions should be legally, safe and free of charge.

With a reference to the deadline solution won 50 years ago, Disoski made it clear that the health care of women must not be sacrificed to the ideological debates and political power games. Your demand to the Federal Government to delete paragraph 96 is a central part of this reform movement.

reproductive rights in an international context

The discussion about abortions is not only a local policy topic, but is also in the context of global debates on reproductive rights. These rights are considered essential human rights, which are strengthened by international conventions such as the UN Convention on Women and the 1994 Cairo Action Program. The recognition of sexual and reproductive health as part of the law to health is crucial for equal opportunities and gender equality.

In Germany, on the other hand, the abortion is often presented as a conflict between the becoming mother and the embryo, which undermines women's self -determination rights. Here the legal regulation is strongly under the influence of the protection of the embryo, while the rights of the pregnant women are often pushed into the background, which leads to a lack of care and a tabooing of the topic in the medical profession.

The Greens appeal, similar to international human rights commissions, for a rethink in public and a stronger consideration of reproductive rights in the legal framework. Access to information about reproductive concerns should be guaranteed to emphasize women and ensure just health care.

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