Conflict emerges between the Union and SPD on abortion rights and monetary assistance issues
In the recent coalition agreement, the expansion of cost coverage by statutory health insurance beyond the current regulations has been a topic of significant discussion. This expansion, according to the Union, is not intended to mean anything more than improving financial support for needy women, as explained by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU).
However, SPD legal politician Carmen Wegge emphasizes a different interpretation, stating that the coalition agreement is committed to expanding the cost coverage for abortions beyond the current regulation. Wegge further argues that legalizing abortions in the early stages is necessary for this expansion.
Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, SPD candidate for the Federal Constitutional Court, interprets this formulation as requiring the legalization of abortions in the early stages of pregnancy. This interpretation has been rejected by the CDU/CSU in the Bundestag, who argue that the formulation only means improving the financial support for needy women.
Currently, abortions in Germany are legally prohibited but remain unpunished under certain conditions. Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker (CDU) explains that in cases of low income, the costs are already covered by the federal states from tax funds.
The coalition partners in the final version of the coalition agreement agreed to improve the supply situation for women in conflict situations. SPD politicians are holding Merz to his statement about discussing legalization after the election.
Merz, during a summer press conference, stated that the agreements of the coalition treaty should come without cuts, possibly including changes to Paragraph 218 of the Criminal Code. However, he did not specify whether changes in social law and health insurance law would necessitate a change in the construction of abortions remaining unpunished.
In the application process, health insurance companies forward the applications to the state authorities. Wegge suggests that this expansion could make abortions a statutory benefit. Brosius-Gersdorf argues that a statutory health insurance's obligation to provide services only applies to legal abortions.
The SPD, Greens, and Left were unable to pass a bill to legalize abortions in the early stages before the federal election. The outcome of this controversial issue remains to be seen as the coalition government begins its work.
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