Human well-being and capabilities, social justice Promoting gender equality, sexual and reproductive rights and empowerment: the Protection against Violence Strategy and strengthening the rights of pregnant women and mothers

A Protection against Violence Strategy based on the Istanbul Convention (External link) was therefore developed, including an comprehensive package of measures to prevent and combat gender-based and domestic violence. In addition, a coordinating body was set up to implement the Istanbul Convention. At the federal level, the Violence Assistance Act adopted in February 2025 ensures for the first time that women affected by violence have a legal right to access free protection and counselling. It establishes the framework for a reliable support system in cases of gender-based and domestic violence.

The German Government aims to empower all women and girls and strengthens their sexual and reproductive rights. The ban on the advertising of abortion services was lifted in July 2022. Doctors are now permitted to state on their websites whether they perform abortions and which methods they use. Furthermore, under new provisions of the Pregnancy Conflict Act (Schwangerschaftskonfliktgesetz) which came into force in November 2024, women who are pregnant are now protected effectively from harassment near pregnancy counselling centres and facilities offering abortion services.

A miscarriage can be a traumatic experience. With the extension of maternity protection to include miscarriage from the 13th week of pregnancy, more women affected by miscarriage will have the chance to recover both physically and mentally.