Chief Doctor vs. Clinic: Ongoing Dispute over Abortion Ban - German doctor fights Catholic hospital’s strict abortion ban in court
A legal dispute between a senior gynecologist and a Catholic hospital over abortion restrictions is heading to the next stage. The Higher Administrative Court of Münster will hold an oral hearing on February 5 to review the doctor’s appeal against the hospital’s ban. The case has drawn widespread attention, with protests and a petition gathering nearly 300,000 signatures.
The conflict began when the Lippstadt hospital, run by a Catholic operator, introduced a policy restricting abortions. Under the new rules, terminations are only allowed if the pregnant woman’s life or physical health is at risk. The gynecologist, Chief Physician Joachim Volz, argues that this ban ignores medical judgment, patient autonomy, and German law.
The court’s decision on February 5 will shape the future of abortion access at the Lippstadt hospital. It will also set a precedent for how religiously affiliated institutions balance medical ethics with their own policies. The ruling could affect both the doctor’s ability to practice and the rights of patients seeking care.
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