[Abortion according to paragraph 218ff. of the German penal code and life support of premature infants from the viewpoint of the pediatrician].

The actual reality of abortion in the Federal Republic of Germany is shocking: in 1984, 100 000-340 00 abortions took place. In contrast to the goals established in the reform of criminal law in Para. 218ff. (StGB) from 1976, unborn life is not protected. Moreover, for "social indications" abortion is being carried out more and more frequently, which results in the killing of new life. Even if the basic laws seem to provide unborn life with a high measure of protection, court decisions regarding abortion according to Para. 218ff. (StGB) indicate that in practice, there is very little protection. The so-called "test-tube baby" enjoys more legal protection than the child begotten in the natural manner. To a certain extent, the paediatrician is confronted with demands to save life. Prematures with a very low birth weight should be kept alive. According to the 1984 records of the Federal Office for Statistics, in the Federal Republic of Germany an average of 147.9 abortions were performed per 1000 children born. For the most part the abortions were performed on account of social indications. Since life begins when the sperm and egg fuse, which is also recognized by basic law 14 days after conception, the paediatrician in particular must feel himself responsible for life yet unborn. However, the paediatrician must also stand up for the disabled child and its right to life, because Para. 218ff. did not intend to eliminate disabled children from society.