Speech by interventionistische Linke Bremen for the Safe Abortion Day ’24
Dear Comrades, dear Friends,
- It’s amazing that you are all here, and thank you for that!
In 2024, abortions are still criminalized under Praragraph 218. For over 100 years, feminists have been fighting against it. Over 100 years in which 45% of abortions worldwide continue to be considered unsafe, and in which doctors—even in Germany—are threatened by fundamentalist Christian extremists and the far-right, having to fear for their own safety and that of their patients.
The global authoritarian shift is visible here too. Feminist achievements are being reversed, as we have seen in the U.S. Every year, there are so-called “Marches for Life.” A better name would be “Marches against Life”—the lives of people like Amber, a 28-year-old from the U.S., and many others who have died because of “illegal” and therefore unsafe abortions or because they were denied abortions when they were needed.
This rightward shift and these anti-feminist worldviews continue to legitimize patriarchal and sexualized violence while restricting bodily autonomy. Gender inequality and patriarchal structures of dominance are not being overcome; rather, they serve as a bridge between extreme right-wing circles and more mainstream anti-feminist groups. Pregnant people in Germany are threatened when they seek counseling. Paragraph 218 institutionalizes patriarchal control and violence and must finally go!
In 2022, Section 219a was abolished—a victory brought about by the feminist movement. Now, we must follow that success by abolishing Section 218! On September 17th, the campaign “Legalize Abortion” was launched! Because despite the clear recommendations of the expert commission on abortions, there is still no decriminalization of abortion. The commission concluded that criminalization restricts the bodily autonomy of women*. It argues: “In the early stages of pregnancy, the legislature should permit abortion with the consent of the woman.” Furthermore, “To the extent that the legislature considers abortion to be lawful, it must ensure that women are able to access abortions promptly and without barriers in easily accessible facilities, using the methods they prefer and that are medically recommended.”
We need more doctors, clinics, and facilities that offer safe access to abortions, as well as a mandate for hospitals to provide this service. It’s unacceptable that hospitals still get to decide whether they will perform abortions. This is a fundamental right—a right to bodily autonomy and healthcare. This also includes full coverage of costs by health insurance.
We have clear demands: - Section 218 must finally be abolished without replacement, and abortions must be legalized!
- Mandatory counseling and waiting periods deny pregnant people their autonomy—what we need is the right to choose counseling!
- Abortion costs must be fully covered, regardless of the pregnant person’s insurance status.
We decide over our own bodies. We don’t need counseling for that, nor do we need waiting periods. What we need are safe and free access to essential healthcare services, including abortions—both in Germany and worldwide.
Especially in light of the current societal shift to the right, we refuse to be pushed into the defensive by anti-feminism. Instead, we demand fundamental rights to sexual autonomy and reproductive justice! Let’s fight together!
Against patriarchal oppression, against anti-feminism! Because: My body, my choice!
