Physician Files Lawsuit Against Church Doctor Over Catholic Hospital's Abortion Restriction

In the city of Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia, the Labor Court is set to deliver a decision on a high-profile case involving Chief Physician Joachim Volz and a Catholic hospital operator. The decision, scheduled for Friday, revolves around a ban on abortions imposed by the Klinik Lippstadt-Christian Hospital following its merger with a Protestant hospital.

The case centers around Dr. Volz, who has challenged the ban on abortion procedures, having previously performed medically indicated abortions at the hospital for 13 years. In early August 2025, the Hamm Labour Court upheld the hospital’s ban on abortions, except when the life or health of the pregnant woman is in danger. Dr. Volz’s complaint was rejected, but he has announced plans to appeal the decision, arguing the ban contradicts his medical responsibilities and restricts legal healthcare options.

The court ruling has sparked significant public reaction. Around 2,000 people demonstrated peacefully against the abortion ban under slogans such as "Stop the Catholic ban on abortion" and "Church, set women free." Only a small counterdemonstration occurred. Dr. Volz’s petition opposing the ban has gained roughly 230,000 signatures.

Abortion in Germany is generally illegal but permitted within the first 12 weeks after counselling, and allowed later in cases of medical necessity, fetal malformation, or rape. However, the Catholic hospital's ban forbids abortions even in cases of severe fetal malformations, allowing exceptions only if the pregnant woman’s life or limb is at risk.

The case highlights tensions between medical ethics, patient rights, and religious beliefs in healthcare. Dr. Volz continues to fight the ban through legal appeals, citing the conflict between his medical responsibilities and the hospital's religious beliefs.

The demonstration titled "Stop the Catholic Abortion Ban" is planned for the same day, with Dr. Volz attending. Politicians from the federal and state governments are expected to attend the demonstration, which is organized by Sarah Gonschorek (Greens). The procession will pass by the Lippstadt Clinic - Christian Hospital and proceed to the vicinity of the court.

The Catholic hospital operator, as the new employer of Dr. Volz, has the authority to enforce its directive against abortions. Gregor Thüsing, a Bonn labor lawyer, stated that the hospital has a legitimate interest in ensuring its leading employee does not perform actions that contradict the Catholic understanding of human life, such as abortions. However, Dr. Volz states that from the perspective of the Catholic operator, every termination of a pregnancy is considered murder.

Under German law, an abortion is fundamentally illegal but not punishable within the first twelve weeks and after counselling. The law does not specify the consequences for violations of the abortion laws by hospital employees. Paragraph 218 of the Criminal Code governs the legality of abortions in Germany. Violations of this directive, in effect since February 2025, could result in consequences up to termination of employment.

This case illustrates ongoing legal implications in Germany around abortion access in religiously affiliated hospitals, including the limits on physicians' autonomy and the conflict between church doctrines and patient care rights.

The science behind medical-condition management often intertwines with workplace-wellness initiatives, as seen in the ongoing dispute between Chief Physician Joachim Volz and a Catholic hospital operator.
Health-and-wellness discussions in the city of Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia, are currently focused on a high-profile case involving religious beliefs and medical procedures.
The decision regarding the ban on abortions in Klinik Lippstadt-Christian Hospital is set to be delivered on Friday.
Chronic diseases and respiratory conditions are not the focus of the current controversy, but the case centers around Dr. Volz, who previously performed medically-indicated abortions.
Cancer, digestive-health, eye-health, and hearing concerns are not directly associated with the case at hand, but they are important areas of medical care.
Sexual-health and reproductive rights are at the forefront of the argument against the Catholic hospital's abortion ban.
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Climate-change is not directly connected to the case, but it is an environmental science issue that affects global health and wellness.
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Mens-health and Womens-health are issues that require equal attention, and the case highlights the importance of reproductive rights in both genders' healthcare.
Skin-care is a personal health and beauty concern that is not directly related to the hospital's abortion ban controversy.
Therapies-and-treatments encompass a wide range of healthcare practices, some of which might be affected by the hospital's religious directives.
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The case also highlights the tension between workplace policies and personal beliefs, as Dr. Volz faces potential consequences for following his medical responsibilities.
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The health-care industry, including Medicare and private insurance providers, may be impacted by the church's influence on hospital policies.
CBD has gained popularity as a potential treatment for various medical conditions, but its use in the hospital setting is not addressed in this case.
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Space-and-astronomy, aerospace, and automotive industries may not appear relevant at first glance, but they contribute to the technological advancements that improve our understanding of health-related disorders.
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Small-business owners and individuals interested in investing in the stock-market, private-equity, or venture-capital may be influenced by the potential financial implications of the court's decision regarding the Catholic hospital's abortion ban.
Personal-finance, banking-and-insurance, and fintech industries also have an indirect impact on health-and-wellness, as financial stability is essential for maintaining access to quality healthcare services.

Physician Files Lawsuit Against Church Doctor Over Catholic Hospital's Abortion Restriction