Criticism of the bishops: striking paradigm shift in the abortion law!

Criticism of the bishops: striking paradigm shift in the abortion law!

On February 7, 2025, the Catholic bishops of Germany reiterated their sharp criticism of a bill to reform abortion regulations. Bishop Georg Bätzing warned of the dangers of possible liberalization, which could result in a decline in protection for unborn children. In a statement on the upcoming hearing in the Legal Affairs Committee of the Bundestag on February 10th, it is emphasized that the human dignity of unborn life must not be ignored. The draft law proposes to exempt abortions up to the twelfth week and to remove them from the criminal code, which the bishops see as a serious constitutional paradigm shift.

Warning of a constitutional paradigm shift

As presseportal.de reported, the Catholic Church has repeatedly shown resistance to a reform that triggers a cornerstone debate about protecting life. The draft eliminates the previously legally enshrined three-day waiting period for pregnant women between counseling and abortion and could therefore significantly reduce the protection of vulnerable people. The draft law represents not only a legal challenge, but also an ethical one, as it implies a gradual change in the perception of life protection that could have serious consequences for society.

At a time when the government is under pressure, some MPs want to quickly pass the proposed law before the upcoming federal election. Due to the complexity of the issue, the Catholic bishops, but also other groups, are calling for a comprehensive social discourse before such fundamental changes are made. Although the fundamental rights of women are respected, the bishops critically question how the draft deals with the rights of the unborn child. According to Bätzing, the passage of the law could lead to lasting damage to the ethical principles of the German Basic Law.