Pregnancy conflict counseling centers; application for recognition

Upon application, conflict counselling centres can be recognized by both public and independent providers. For example, denominational and non-denominational welfare organizations and other independent providers and associations offer statutory conflict counselling (e.g. Diakonische Werke, Donum Vitae in Bayern e.V., pro familia), as well as the local health authorities in the municipalities. The pregnancy conflict counseling centers must submit an annual written report on their counseling activities, which contains the standards of their activities and the experience gained. The counseling centers are inspected by the responsible government at least every 3 years. If one of the required conditions for recognition is no longer met, recognition is revoked.

The recognition of the pregnancy conflict counseling centers as well as their withdrawal and revocation are published in the Bavarian State Gazette.

• affirmation in lieu of oath, if applicable

A counselling centre may only be recognized if it offers the guarantee of professional pregnancy conflict counselling in accordance with Section 5 of the Pregnancy Conflict Act (SchKG) and is able to provide pregnancy conflict counselling in accordance with Section 6 SchKG, and in particular

• has sufficient personally and professionally qualified staff in sufficient numbers,
• ensures that, if necessary, a specialist with medical, psychological, socio-educational, social work or legal training can be called in at short notice to carry out the counseling,
• cooperates with all agencies that provide public and private assistance for mother and child, and
• is not linked to any institution where abortions are performed, either organizationally or through economic interests, in such a way that a material interest of the counselling institution in the performance of abortions cannot be ruled out.

The pregnancy advice centers provide free and, on request, anonymous advice on all questions relating to pregnancy and birth.

You can find further information under "Related topics".

You can find an advice center near you under "Related links".