Introduction

There are a lot of different reasons for having an abortion. Some women decide very quickly that they want to end their pregnancy. This might be because they don’t want any more children or have never wanted children. Others find it very difficult to decide – perhaps because they're not sure whether their relationship is stable enough or whether they have enough energy for a child (again).
Women facing this decision can get help and advice from counseling centers (Beratungsstellen). There you can find out what kind of financial support is available, for example. Talking can help you work through conflicting feelings and thoughts, leading to a decision that’s right for you. If you decide to have an abortion, you can consult a counseling center, gynecology practice or certain websites to find out where you can have it done.
Abortion is regulated by law in Germany, and women who choose this option must comply with certain legal requirements. It can either be done using medication or through surgery. Both of these approaches have pros and cons but they are similarly effective.
Roughly 100,000 abortions are carried out in Germany each year. Most of them take place within the first 12 weeks after the woman becomes pregnant. In other words, up until the end of the 14th week of pregnancy.