Abortion

In an abortion, an embryo or foetus is removed from its mother's womb. Because it is then still too young to live, it dies. This usually happens because the mother does not want to have a child or she thinks she cannot take care of it. In the past, this was more commonly referred to as an abortion.

Abortions of pregnancies have been around since ancient times. There have always been women who knew special plants. When a pregnant woman drank tea from it, her body expelled the child-to-be. There were also interventions with instruments through the vagina. With both methods there were often injuries. Women lost their ability to become pregnant again or even died.

People often argue about whether one is allowed to terminate a pregnancy or not. Above all, it is about whether the mother alone is allowed to determine her body and everything that is in it. The question has also always been at what point after fertilisation one should speak of a child or a human being. And: should the state protect this life?

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as in many other countries in Europe, abortion is now permitted during the first three months of pregnancy. This is called the period solution, because the abortion is only allowed during a certain period of time, i.e. a certain period of time from fertilisation. However, the woman must first seek advice from a doctor and then wait a short time. Only then can she have the abortion. Usually, she swallows certain pills that trigger a birth. The body then expels the embryo or foetus. Abortions in a doctor's office or in a hospital are becoming increasingly rare.

Some countries outside Europe also have the same or similar rules. But there are also countries where abortion is forbidden under all circumstances. Women can even be sent to prison for it.