Medication Abortions Outnumber Surgical Procedures in Germany for First Time

For the first time in Germany, medication-based abortions have surpassed surgical procedures, marking a significant shift in reproductive healthcare practices. In 2025, 45% of abortions were carried out using medication, primarily Mifegyne, compared to 43% that involved surgical methods such as vacuum aspiration. This trend, detailed by the Federal Statistical Office, indicates a growing preference for less invasive methods.

The overall number of abortions in Germany saw a marginal decrease of 0.7% in 2025, with a total of 106,000 procedures reported. The majority of these interventions, around 86%, were performed on an outpatient basis in medical practices or specialized centers, with an additional 12% conducted in hospitals. This highlights the efficiency and accessibility of current abortion services within the country.

Demographic data reveals that women aged 18 to 34 constitute the largest group undergoing abortions, representing about seven in ten cases. Women aged 35 to 39 accounted for 20%, while 9% were 40 or older. Only 3% of abortions were performed on individuals younger than 18. Furthermore, 44% of women who had an abortion in 2025 had not previously given birth, and a significant 96% of reported abortions were carried out under the standard counseling regulation.

While the Federal Statistical Office attributes some of these developments to demographic factors, such as an aging and shrinking younger population, it acknowledges that the data does not allow for an assessment of the personal decision-making reasons behind these choices, particularly for those following the counseling regulation. From a German perspective, this data provides a factual overview of trends in reproductive health, but the underlying personal motivations remain a private matter, underscoring the country's approach to individual autonomy and privacy in healthcare decisions.