FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Abortion

Abtreibung (‘Abortion’) or Schwangerschaftsabbruch (‘termination of pregnancy’)?

In German, the terms ‘Abtreibung’ and ‘Schwangerschaftsabbruch’ carry different connotations: ‘Abtreibung’ has often been used pejoratively by anti-abortion campaigners, while ‘Schwangerschaftsabbruch’ (‘termination of pregnancy’) is generally perceived as neutral and descriptive. This distinction doesn’t map directly onto English, where ‘abortion’ is the standard, non-stigmatizing term used across medical, legal, and rights-based contexts. As on our German-language pages – where we use ‘Abtreibung’ and ‘Schwangerschaftsabbruch’ interchangeably – we use ‘abortion’ and ‘termination of pregnancy’ side by side here, so that people searching with either term can find us.

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Who decides about a termination?

We support the right to self-determination of the pregnant person to decide for or against continuing the pregnancy. The decision directly affects the body, health and social situation of the pregnant person. This decision cannot be made by the person who fathered the child, nor by the parents of a pregnant minor. Legally as well, nobody may, for example, pressure a pregnant person toward a termination. The statutory regulations on termination of pregnancy do, however, specify the legal framework for when and under which circumstances a termination is possible. These vary greatly from country to country.

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Up to which time can one have a termination?

Under the following conditions, a termination of pregnancy in Germany is exempt from criminal prosecution:

1. Less than twelve weeks have passed since fertilisation (14th week of pregnancy from the start of the last period).
2. The pregnant person wishes the termination and it is performed by a doctor.
3. Additionally, one of the following conditions must be met: (a) the pregnant person has attended pregnancy option counselling at a state-recognised counselling centre. Three full days must elapse between the counselling and the termination (counselling process). Or (b) the pregnancy is the result of rape (criminological indication). Or (c) continuation of the pregnancy would endanger the health of the pregnant person (medical indication).

With a medical indication, a termination is also possible at a later stage of pregnancy. For this, a doctor must confirm that the physical or mental health of the pregnant person would be seriously endangered by continuation of the pregnancy.

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I have had a termination before – is that harmful to my body?

A termination of pregnancy is a safe medical procedure. Even several terminations generally do not impair fertility or later pregnancies. The risk of complications remains low – provided the procedures are carried out by qualified professionals.

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Pregnant under 18 – is a termination possible without parental knowledge?

A termination is possible without parental consent if the pregnant person is at least 14 years old and the doctor considers them capable of giving informed consent – meaning they can understand the scope of their decision. Young pregnant people also have the right to make decisions about their own body. And regardless of age, you can always receive anonymous and free counselling without your parents finding out. Be brave and do so, as unfortunately there is a great deal of questionable and even incorrect information on this topic on the internet.

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Does a termination cause infertility?

No. As a rule, you can become pregnant again shortly after a termination. This also applies if you have had a previous termination.

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What is the difference between the ‘abortion pill’ and the ‘morning-after pill’?

The ‘abortion pill’ brings about the termination of an existing (early) pregnancy. For more information, see Abortion Methods. The ‘morning-after pill’ does not bring about a termination. It merely delays ovulation. After a contraceptive failure, sperm survive for a few days in the fallopian tube. The ‘morning-after pill’ ensures that no ovulation takes place during this time, to prevent a pregnancy from occurring. If fertilisation of an egg has already taken place, the ‘morning-after pill’ does not bring about a termination. The ‘morning-after pill’ is available without a prescription at pharmacies. The costs can be covered by health insurance for those under 22 or if the ‘morning-after pill’ is taken following a sexual assault. A prescription is required in these cases.

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Can I get the ‘abortion pill’ without a prescription?

No. Termination using the ‘abortion pill’ is a regular termination of pregnancy. This always requires medical supervision and generally also counselling. The ‘morning-after pill’ is available without a prescription at pharmacies, but it does not bring about a termination of pregnancy.

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Can one terminate a pregnancy at home without a doctor?

No. A termination without medical supervision is a health risk and it is also illegal. Tips on ‘natural abortion’ with herbs or home remedies are frequently ineffective and almost always dangerous. However: If the ‘abortion pill’ has been handed over as part of a medically supervised termination, it can often be taken alone at home.

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Is a termination paid for by the health insurance?

Those with little money can apply for cost coverage at the health insurance fund; the termination is then paid for by the federal state. In the case of a medical or criminological indication, the health insurance pays for the termination without a separate application. Even if you have previously received cost coverage for a termination, the costs will be covered again once the conditions are met. For more information, see Abortion Costs.

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What is pregnancy option counselling?

Pregnancy option counselling is a legally prescribed, free counselling session. It is a prerequisite for a termination of pregnancy for personal reasons within the first fourteen weeks after the last period. This counselling is only possible at state-approved counselling centres such as AWO. AWO pregnancy option counselling treats you with respect and without bias. On request, we support you in your decision-making for or against a termination. We do not push you in either direction.

Where can I find information on abortion in plain language?

Our plain language page provides an overview of our content available in plain language (german). There you will also find information on abortion in plain language.