paragraph 218 of the Penal Code varied from one Land to another. As a result, for the purpose of obtaining an abortion women either travelled from one Land to another or went abroad. There were, however, no statistics available in that connection. 80. In 1988, in the Federal Republic, 83,784 abortions had been recorded, 86.8 per cent of which had been justified by risk of severe distress and 8.9 per cent of which had been performed for medical reasons. In addition, there had no doubt been a far greater number of abortions that had not been reflected in the statistics. It was estimated that from 200,000 to 250,000 abortions were performed each year. However, not many sentences were handed down by criminal courts under paragraph 218 of the Penal Code. Somewhat more than a year ago a trial in the town of Memmingen, in which a doctor had been accused of violating paragraph 218 of the Penal Code, had attracted considerable public attention and given rise to much controversy. 81. The Federal Government was endeavouring to expand and improve the counselling an~ support provided to pregnant women and young mothers, particularly women in severe social distress and in conflict situations. 82. Special measures with a view to achieving de facto equality of men and women, under article 4 of the Convention, were a key area of the Federal Republic's women's policy. Naturally, there was resistance to special measures, but there was increasing recognition of the fact that such measures were necessary. 83. She had been requested to describe the measures taken by the Government to increase the involvement of women in politics. That was not so much a task for the State and the Government but, rather, more the responsibility of the parties and society at large. A major effort was, however, being made to increase the 
**Analysis**
The text appears to discuss social and political issues related to women's rights and reproductive health in Germany. It mentions laws and policies regarding abortion, as well as measures to increase the involvement of women in politics. The text also touches on the theme of equality between men and women.

**Category**
Health, Education