Germany's Bundestag is embroiled in a heated debate over the reform of abortion laws, specifically the controversial Paragraph 218. Currently, abortion is illegal but not punishable if conducted within the first 12 weeks, following mandatory counseling.

A new proposal, driven by the Greens and SPD, seeks to decriminalize abortions within this period, arguing that the current law stigmatizes women and hampers medical services.

Critics, including the Union and AfD, argue against rushing the reform without broader societal debate, emphasizing the moral implications.

The proposal, supported by over 300 MPs, suggests removing Paragraph 218 and integrating abortion rights into the Pregnancy Conflict Law, with provisions for counseling but eliminating the mandatory waiting period.

The debate continues, with uncertainty over whether the reform will pass before the upcoming elections.