Abortions for personal reasons are technically illegal but carry no penalty as long as they are performed prior to the 13th week of pregnancy and the pregnant woman undergoes pregnancy conflict counselling. The doctor performing the procedure can refer you to a special counsellor for the conflict course, which has been scripted by the government to ensure consistency. Pregnancies as the result of a sexual crime may also be terminated in the first 12 weeks. If a pregnancy threatens the health of the mother or if the health of the foetus is in question, the pregnancy can be ended at any time. Health insurance only pays for abortions if the pregnancy was the result of a crime or if it threatens the health of the mother. They cost about €500 otherwise.
Official estimates show that 92% of pregnancies in Germany with foetuses suspected of having Down’s Syndrome are now terminated.