In the objective debate, MPs from a cross-party group advocated an initiative that aims to monitor implementation more closely. “What was originally intended as a targeted examination is increasingly developing into a comprehensive screening,” said CSU health politician Stephan Pilsinger. However, an abnormal test result is not a diagnosis, but rather a statement of probability. It puts many expectant parents under pressure.

In debate, unequal speakers defend mothers’ rights

Both the Greens and the AfD argued completely differently. The Green MP Paula Piechotta said: “We cannot achieve social acceptance of people with disabilities by taking away individual women’s self-determination.”

AfD man Martin Sichert took a similar approach. Parents have every right in the world to prepare for the child. This includes being able to get all the information. The test for health insurance costs also prevents late abortions by allowing parents to make a self-determined decision early in the pregnancy.

Funds pay for prenatal tests

The Testswhich are less risky than amniocentesis tests that have been common for a long time, can be paid for by health insurance since 2022 under certain conditions. Specifically, a proposal from the group calls for the federal government to carry out monitoring in order to obtain reliable data. In addition, a committee of experts should be set up to examine the legal, ethical and health policy basis of health insurance approval. The discussion about this has been going on for a long time.

People with Down syndrome have one more chromosome in each cell. There are three copies of chromosome 21, hence the name trisomy 21. The consequences are physical abnormalities and slowed motor, mental and linguistic development. However, manifestations are very different.

Application of the tests “far beyond risk cases”

CDU MP Michael Brand said clear restrictions had been put in place for good reason. However, the use of the tests has increased significantly far beyond risk cases. The application now seeks more information. SPD parliamentary group deputy Dagmar Schmidt said that it should not be the case that people with trisomy are systematically screened and then recommended and advised not to have the child.

Mareike Hermeier (Left) said in the debate, which took place without the usual party lines, that the test was quietly threatening to become the norm. The rights of pregnant women and the dignity of people with disabilities should not be played off against each other.

Now discussions in Bundestag committees

The application will now first be discussed in the committees. The group of representatives had already introduced such an initiative in 2024 during the previous electoral period. But then there was an early dissolution of parliament after the traffic light coalition broke up.