We believe that every person who has an abortion has the right to compassionate support during the process, regardless of their individual circumstances. Therefore, a group of people became active in Berlin since early 2024 to accompany individuals when no one from their personal network is available, or if, for example, young children need to be looked after. The idea came from Hannah, who founded the “Abortion Buddy” project in 2022 and raised awareness for it via Instagram. We are delighted that Hannah is continuing to develop her initiative under the umbrella of Doctors for Choice Germany e.V., together with other supporters.
To help this initiative grow nationwide, we hope to see Abortion Buddies organizing into local groups in many more locations across Germany. To our knowledge, active Abortion Buddy groups currently exist in the following German cities:
- Berlin: buero@doctorsforchoice.de
(Please note: The group in Berlin is currently not accepting new buddies). - Bremen: abortionbuddys_hb@inventati.org; Instagram: @abortionbuddysbremen
- Flensburg: prosupport.fl@profamilia.de
(For those interested in becoming an abortion buddy: training sessions will be available starting in September 2026. Please note that the training will take place in German. For more information, please see the German-language flyer proSupport_Flyer_Ehrenamt.pdf) - Freiburg: abortionbuddy.freiburg@systemli.org; Instagram: @abortionbuddyfreiburg
- Heidelberg: ruth.thuermer@profamilia.de
- Tübingen: abortionbuddy@talk-abortion.de; Instagram: @abortionbuddytue
Would you like to start an Abortion Buddy group in your city or region?
We would be happy to support you! For advice and guidance on setting up a group, please contact our advisory board member Julia von Kanitz directly at: julia.von.kanitz@doctorsforchoice.de
Understanding of what it means to be an Abortion Buddy
- An abortion buddy is neither a health care worker nor a social worker. The buddy is there for the moment – afterwards, there are other support services.
- An abortion buddy is someone who believes that every person has the right to terminate a pregnancy. And that nobody should have to go through it alone.
- An abortion buddy knows that not only women can become pregnant. The buddy also knows that people affected by poverty, queer people, people of colour, people with disabilities and/or religious individuals, amongst others, face unique challenges.
- An abortion buddy knows their own boundaries and protects them. You cannot help others if you are overwhelmed. A buddy communicates openly what support they can provide.
- An abortion buddy knows: abortions save lives. Abortion is a human right. Abortion care is a normal part of health care.
- An abortion buddy talks about abortions because they happen. Because they are normal. Because they need to become more visible. So that they remain safe.