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Abortion in Germany is illegal, but not punishable during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy under the condition of mandatory counseling, and it is permitted later in pregnancy in cases that the pregnancy poses an important danger to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman. In the case that the abortion is not because of rape and therefore illegal after 12 weeks, the woman needs to receive counseling, called Schwangerschaftskonfliktberatung , at least three days prior to the abortion and must take place at a state-approved centre, which afterwards gives the applicant a Beratungsschein. Abortions that do not meet these conditions are punishable.
Doctors provide medication to cause the abortion, and observe to ensure there are no negative reactions to the medication.