Process of prayer in front of advice centers: a massive intervention in fundamental rights and stigmatization?

Process of prayer in front of advice centers: a massive intervention in fundamental rights and stigmatization?

New law prohibits prayer guards in front of advice centers - an interference with fundamental rights?

In Berlin, a controversial law was recently passed to ban keeping prayer guards in front of advice centers. However, this measure encounters massive criticism from different groups, including the "Doctors for the Life e.V.". According to Priv.-Doz. Dr. Dr. Kai Witzel and Julia Kim, the board of directors of the organization, are a serious interference with the religious, freedom of expression and assembly.

The law is supposed to serve to prevent "nuisance" of medical staff in abortion institutions. But the reason for this restriction of fundamental rights seems to be questionable. According to court rulings, there are no legally relevant harassment that would justify such a ban. In addition, no concrete cases of disabilities of the medical staff could be presented in hearing through prayer guards. So it remains questionable whether the alleged problems actually exist.

Another criticism of the law concerns the image of women, which is conveyed. While supporters of abortions often emphasize that women should act independently, the law draws an image of women as manipulable and weak. It also becomes clear that the medical staff in abortion facilities do not necessarily share the same understanding of life and human rights as those who protest before these institutions. This leads to tensions and conflicts that are still exacerbated by the law.

The association "Doctors for Life" calls for a respectful discussion about the right to life and a culture of life in medical practice. It remains to be seen how the situation will continue to develop after the law comes into force and what effects it will actually have.

- Nag