Abortion in Bad Hersfeld: Women suffer from long journeys

Abortion in Bad Hersfeld: Women suffer from long journeys

In Bad Hersfeld, pregnant women who are thinking about terminating a pregnancy face a significant challenge. Charline Richardt and Maren Colton from Pro Familia offer advice, but the women often have to travel long distances to Kassel, Gießen or Marburg because there are no options for abortion in the immediate area. This represents a major hurdle for many of those affected, which is not only associated with additional costs, but also with psychological stress, as the women's and equal opportunities representative Corinna Zehnder criticizes.

In Germany, abortions are only possible without punishment under certain conditions. The most common method, which is used in around 100,000 cases annually, is the so-called advisory regulation. The fertilization must have taken place in the last twelve weeks, a written consultation certificate must be available, and the abortion can only be carried out four days after the consultation at the earliest. A doctor must accompany the procedure, which makes the availability of services even more difficult. According to Pro Familia, around 180 pregnancy conflict consultations are carried out in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district every year, but the topic of abortion often remains taboo.

Advice centers as the first point of contact

Pregnancy conflict counseling is required by law and should encourage women who find themselves in distress. At the counseling center you will not only be informed about the legal aspects of a possible abortion, but will also receive support with your personal considerations. It is important that the decision to terminate or continue the pregnancy rests solely with the woman. Information about financial aid, care options and even the offer of a confidential birth are also part of the advice service.

The legal provisions that regulate the framework conditions for an abortion can be found in the Criminal Code (Sections 218 to 219 StGB). According to this, an abortion is exempt from punishment under three conditions: in the counseling arrangement, for medical reasons and in cases of criminological indications. While medical indications after the 14th week can also be exempt from punishment, the legal situation for consultations and abortions in rural areas is often problematic.

Hurdles and demands

The representatives of the Women's and Equal Opportunities Office are therefore not only calling for an improvement in the local supply situation, but also for the existing legal hurdles to be removed. The lack of clinics and practices in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district is a central problem that puts an additional burden on women in difficult life situations.

The option of medical or surgical abortion is available, with most abortions performed in doctor's offices or outpatient surgery centers. However, this can mean a long journey for women in the district, which brings more than just inconvenience. Pro Familia's helpful staff will strive to provide women with good support and address legal hurdles.

But despite our best efforts, access to abortion remains a difficult issue that requires more transparency and respectful discussions. For the time being, the Pro Familia advice center remains the only state-recognized contact point for women in the district, which makes the demands for better conditions all the more urgent.

It remains to be seen that the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district urgently needs a solution to support women in their decision and to help them make an informed, self-determined choice.

Hersfeld newspaper reports that the care situation for women considering abortion is anything but rosy. The association for families, seniors, women and youth bmbfsfj states that comprehensive information about rights and options is important. Those too Health information offers numerous resources and advice for affected women.