77. In connection with article 2 (g), the Committee had requested further clarification of the legal situation regarding abortion. Paragraph 218 of the Penal Code provided in principle that abortion was a punishable offence. However, under certain circumstances abortion was not punishable, provided that the procedure was carried out by a doctor fully in accordance with medical requirements and when one of the four following indications was present: firstly, if there was a serious threat to either the life or the health of the woman concerned; secondl y, if there was reason to fear severe physical or mental impairment of the child, with I • • • CEDAW/C/SR.157 English Page 13 (Mrs. Lehr, Federal Republic of Germany) the result that it would seem unreasonable to expect the woman to continue the pregnancy to term (in such a case an abortion was permitted until 22 weeks after conception); thirdly, if the pregnancy had resulted from a sex crime (in such cases abortions were permitted until 12 weeks following conception); and, fourthly, if there was a risk of severe distress (in which case an abortion could be performed until 12 weeks following conception). The existence of the latter indication must be certified by a doctor, and counselling was required. 78. The legal situation that she had just described had existed since 1976. In 1974, by means of an amendment to the Penal Code, it had been specified that in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy abortion was not a punishable offence under any :circumstances. However, in 1975 that amendment had been declared null and void by the Federal Constitutional Court. In 1976 the rules that she had just described had been introduced. 79. The provisions governing the treatment of abortion and implementation of 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the legal framework and regulations surrounding abortion in a country, specifically Germany. It mentions the Penal Code, Constitutional Court, and medical requirements, indicating a focus on health and legal issues. The text does not mention economic or environmental aspects, and therefore, it is unlikely to fall under categories related to economic development, natural resources, industry, transport, communication, or international trade.

**Category**
Health