Women in Lüneburg are fighting bottlenecks during abortions!

Women in Lüneburg are fighting bottlenecks during abortions!

in Lüneburg | In Germany, the number of annual abortions is over 100,000, based on the latest statistics. Around 250 demolitions per year are recorded in Lüneburg itself. Many women report on their experiences, which are often shaped by challenges and uncertainties.

One of the women affected, Julia Meiner* (19), confessed: "I was totally shocked when I held the positive pregnancy test in my hands. That doesn't fit in my life at all." This statement illustrates the emotional burden that is exposed to many women when they are confronted with unwanted pregnancy.

challenges in medical care

Corinna Heider-Treybig from Pro Family states that medical care for women who consider abortion in Lüneburg is inadequate. The situation is tense with just two medical facilities that carry out a demolition. "There are even three in Uelzen. Many of my clients don't get a timely appointment and have to go to Hamburg, for example," says Heider-Treybig. This brings additional burdens for many women, since they often have no financial resources to no one who picks them up after the procedure.

The fact that more than 350 women visit the mandatory pregnancy conflict advice in Lüneburg every year shows the need for support. Alena Guzy from Donum Vitae explains: "Most of those affected have already made a decision when they come to us."

Another affected, Marie List* (39), describes her experiences: "I was a little afraid of advice at Donum Vitae, but I was pleasantly surprised and felt very comfortable." However, she also experienced the uncertainties in the clinic: "I was punished with the eyes of two employees. I immediately felt guilty." These experiences illustrate the often stigmatized and stressful circumstances under which women have to lead their decision -making struggle.

Lena Meese* (31) also reports that she had to go to Hanover for her demolition, as she could not get an appointment in the Lüneburg Clinic. This geographical challenge is not unusual and shows the insufficient availability of abortion services in the region.

waiting times and alternative options

The problem is also confirmed by Prof. Peter Dall, chief physician of the Lüneburg women's clinic. "It may be that women have to wait some time for an appointment for an abortion," he says. The high capacity utilization of the gynecological outpatient clinic, in particular through the treatment of urgent cases such as cancer, increases these waiting times.

Currently, 63 percent of women in Lüneburg use the drug method for their demolition, which has been offered in a gynecological practice until seventh week since September 2023. This is a first step, but the situation remains unsustainable when you consider that women in the region are often no further options available.

A gynecologist also emphasizes that higher remuneration is necessary for these services to improve the supply. "The demolition of pregnancy in Lower Saxony is extremely poorly remunerated. In Hamburg, for example, the practices get three times as much," explains the doctor, who wants to remain anonymous.

Although abortion in Germany is fundamentally punishable, there are the option of performing them without punishment in certain circumstances, as long as certain regulations are met. This regulation often causes confusion among those affected and can make access to necessary medical services considerably more difficult. In public discussion, however, there is hope for improvements.

An expert commission used by the Federal Government has recommended the abortion of abortions in the early phase of pregnancy. However, it remains to be seen whether there will be a change in the law soon, because the responsible ministries have not yet positioned themselves.

The descriptions of women and the reports of experts clearly illustrate the need to improve the supply structure in Lüneburg and beyond. It is crucial that women no longer fall by the wayside in such a life situation, but receive access to the health services required.