German Family Minister Lisa Paus announced legislation Wednesday that would establish a buffer zone of 100 meters (320 ft) around the country’s abortion facilities, as well as counseling centers that promote abortion. The legislation would also prohibit pro-life signs and posters. Violators could be fined up to €5,000 ($5,445).
Though abortion is technically illegal in Germany, it is permitted in certain circumstances up to 12 weeks. In order to obtain an approval for abortion, a woman must first receive a counseling certificate. According to the country’s Statistical Office, around 100,000 abortions are committed in the country each year.
Pro-life speech in the country has come under fire in recent years, particularly as the 40 Days for Life organization has held twice-yearly prayer campaigns. Though pro-life sidewalk counselors primarily hold peaceful, prayerful vigils outside abortion facilities, they are regularly vilified as being threatening and intimidating.
In speaking with the news outlet DW, Claudia Hohmann, director of Frankfurt’s Pro Familia Center – the German partner of Planned Parenthood — admitted that the proposed law was expressly intended to limit free speech.
Hohmann also conceded that the pro-life advocates are not violent.
“Freedom of speech is all well and good,” Hohmann told DW. “Just not here. It’s very targeted and that’s what is so perfidious about it.” She added, “Of course, we’re glad that they [pro-lifers] don’t shout at us or throw things at us, but that’s not the point. It’s a friendliness behind which lies a lot of aggression towards people.” (emphases added)
Ultimately, abortion advocates are worried that pro-lifers will be effective in their attempts to let women know that they have options other than abortion.
“We must effectively protect pregnant women from harassment and undue influence in front of advice centers, surgeries, and clinics,” Paus said in defense of her legislation.
This proposal comes after a German high court ruled last year that the country cannot impose bans on peaceful pro-life gatherings outside abortion facilities. Should the government go ahead and implement this buffer zone, a legal battle is expected to follow.
The proposed buffer zone is just one of the ways that lawmakers are working to expand abortion in the country; within the last few years, legislators have also repealed a law that prohibited advertising for abortions and eased access to the abortion pill.
