Saxony-Anhalt: Abortions: Fewer doctors with permission

Magdeburg (dpa/sa) - Saxony-Anhalt's Greens criticize the decreasing possibilities for abortions in the state.

Saxony-Anhalt: Abortions: Fewer doctors with permission

Magdeburg (dpa/sa) - Saxony-Anhalt's Greens criticize the decreasing possibilities for abortions in the state. The state government's response to an inquiry revealed that as of May 2 of this year, 34 doctors still had authorization for outpatient procedures, the Greens in the state parliament in Magdeburg said. That was six fewer than at the beginning of 2017.

According to the overview, which comes from the Saxony-Anhalt Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, there are no longer any doctors in Havelberg who are allowed to perform outpatient abortions. In Halle, the number went from eight to five. In Salzwedel, instead of two, there is only one doctor for these procedures. In Haldensleben, the number went from three to two.

"A reduction in the number of opportunities for abortion endangers women's health. Because abortion is also women's health," said Susan Sziborra-Seidlitz, health policy spokeswoman for the Greens.

She demanded that the performance of the interventions should be included in the practical part of the specialist training and further education of doctors. "The state and the medical association are responsible for that."