Expert Commission Recommends Legalizing Abortions in Germany up to 12 Weeks

A government-appointed commission in Germany has recommended legalizing abortions within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Although abortions are rarely prosecuted and currently de-criminalized up to this point, they remain technically illegal under German law, punishable with up to three years in prison for violations beyond that timeframe. The commission's report has been welcomed by abortion rights activists who argue the current law is outdated and detrimental to women. Germany's stance on abortions differs from many European countries where the procedure is already legal, leading some to claim the country is falling behind in this regard.