The German Union faction criticized a legislative proposal by SPD and Green Party members aimed at legalizing abortions up to 12 weeks. Friedrich Merz, Union faction leader, expressed outrage at Chancellor Olaf Scholz for endorsing the initiative. He warned that this move could escalate societal conflict in Germany, which has long grappled with the contentious Paragraph 218 of the penal code. While the proposal would maintain the requirement for counseling, it seeks to eliminate the three-day waiting period. A vote is anticipated before the upcoming Bundestag elections on February 23.