Pregnancy; Counseling

Expectant mothers—and fathers—are entitled to comprehensive counseling on all matters related to pregnancy and childbirth, regardless of their age, cultural background, or beliefs. Counseling is provided confidentially, impartially, free of charge, and anonymously upon request by state-recognized pregnancy counseling centers and by non-state-recognized (Catholic) pregnancy counseling centers. Counseling can be sought as often and for as long as necessary in each individual case. It can also be provided after birth until the child reaches the age of 3.

The services offered include, in particular, psychosocial counseling and informationonthe following topics:

• sex education, contraception, and family planning,
• social and financial assistance for pregnant women and young families, including government social benefits and help with finding or retaining housing, employment, or an apprenticeship,
• prenatal checkups and questions regarding childbirth,
• the specific rights of pregnant women and parents in the workplace,
• questions regarding prenatal diagnostics,
• Resources for living with a child who has a chronic illness and/or disability,
• Solutions for psychosocial conflicts related to pregnancy,
• Counseling and support for a confidential birth,
• Legal and psychological considerations related to adoption,
• Questions about abortion
• Counseling and support for those struggling to conceive
• Counseling and support following a miscarriage or stillbirth, as well as after the early loss of a child.

State-recognized counseling centers for pregnancy-related issues are also responsible for providing the legally required pregnancy conflict counseling. Only these centers are authorized to issue the certificate confirming that pregnancy conflict counseling has taken place, which is a prerequisite for a legal termination of pregnancy.

In addition to counseling, practical assistance is provided. For example,affectedwomen can receive support in dealing with government agencies to claim statutory benefits.

With the pregnant woman’s consent, other individuals may be included in the counseling.

We provide counseling to women and families on topics related to pregnancy and the early years of a child’s life, up to age 3.

We provide information on financial assistance, contraception, and family planning, as well as psychosocial counseling based on prenatal examinations. We also offer counseling and information on abortion and the legally required counseling in cases of conflict regarding a pregnancy. In addition, we provide counseling and support regarding confidential childbirth.

We also offer sex education programs for schools (grades 5–10), young adults, and peer educators.

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Contact a pregnancy counseling center.

Conflict counseling generally takes place in a face-to-face meeting. Most state-approved pregnancy counseling centers also offer general pregnancy counseling online.

• Conflict counseling: immediately, i.e., as soon as possible
• General pregnancy counseling: no time limits

• Conflict counseling: immediately
• General pregnancy counseling: depending on the individual case

• Conflict counseling with issuance of a counseling certificate
  
  • Valid proof of identification (e.g., ID card)
  • Recommended: Medical certificate confirming pregnancy
• Conflict counseling without issuing a counseling certificate
  
  • none
• General Pregnancy Counseling
  
  • None
  • recommended: prenatal record book

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