Dirk von Behren provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Section 218 of the German Penal Code, known as the "abortion paragraph." He traces its evolution from the German Empire through the Weimar Republic and National Socialism to the Federal Republic of Germany. In doing so, he takes into account medical, demographic, social policy, cultural, and legal aspects. Through a comparative analysis, Dirk von Behren outlines the ongoing development lines of the abortion debate within the key societal groups, including the medical profession, women's movement, church, politics, as well as legal theory and jurisprudence.