Hospital staff member initiates lawsuit against Catholic healthcare institution over abortion restrictions
In the heart of Lippstadt, Germany, a contentious issue surrounding the Catholic-operated Lippstadt Clinic has reached a new milestone. The Hamm Labour Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by gynecologist Joachim Volz, challenging the hospital's abortion ban[2].
For many years, Volz, the head of the gynecology department, had been performing medically indicated abortions at the Evangelical Hospital Lippstadt. However, the new Catholic operator has prohibited this practice[1]. The court's ruling upholds the hospital's right to enforce the ban, which aligns with Catholic Church teachings[2][3]. Judge Klaus Griese, presiding over the hearing, did not provide detailed reasoning for the decision[2].
Undeterred, Volz has announced his intention to appeal the ruling. He argues that the ban infringes on his medical responsibilities and limits access to legal healthcare options[2]. This legal action has garnered public attention, with a petition titled "I am not a sin!" gathering around 230,000 signatures, and protests by roughly 2,000 people under the slogan "Stop the Catholic ban on abortion"[2].
The demonstration, organised by Sarah Gonschorek (Greens), is scheduled to take place before the hearing, with Volz in attendance[1]. The procession will pass by the Lippstadt Clinic - Christian Hospital and proceed to the vicinity of the court, with the police expecting "a thousand or more" participants[1].
The ban applies not only to Volz's activities at the Lippstadt Clinic but also to his private practice in Bielefeld. The new employer is not bound by what applied previously regarding abortions[1]. The merged hospital's service instructions prohibit performing abortions, except in cases where the life and health of the pregnant woman are in danger[1].
Section 218 of the Criminal Code allows for abortion to be legal if it is medically indicated, in cases of severe fetal malformations, rape, or if there is a danger to the life, physical, or mental health of the pregnant woman[1]. Volz demands an "end to the criminalization of abortions and an end to the church's influence on medical care" in the petition he started on July 1, titled "I am a doctor - my help is not a sin!"[1].
Violations of the service instructions could result in consequences up to termination of employment[1]. Volz must ensure that all employees comply with the service instructions, which have been in effect since February 2025[1]. The new Catholic hospital has a legitimate interest in ensuring that its leading employee does not perform abortions, which is diametrically opposed to the Catholic understanding of human life[1].
This is the most recent and authoritative ruling on this case as of August 2025[1][2][3]. A verdict is expected from the court on the same day[1]. Plaintiff Volz (67) is prepared to go through further judicial instances if necessary[1].
[1]: [Source 1] [2]: [Source 2] [3]: [Source 3]
- The science of medicine is at the center of a heated debate in Lippstadt, Germany.
- The Lippstadt Clinic, operated by the Catholic Church, has a contentious abortion ban.
- A lawsuit challenging this ban was recently dismissed by the Hamm Labour Court.
- Joachim Volz, a gynecologist and head of the gynecology department, has been performing medically indicated abortions.
- However, the Catholic operator of the clinic has prohibited this practice.
- The court's ruling allows the hospital to enforce the ban, aligning with Catholic Church teachings.
- Judge Klaus Griese did not provide detailed reasoning for the decision.
- Volz plans to appeal the ruling, arguing it infringes on his medical responsibilities.
- The issue has garnered public attention, with a petition gathering over 230,000 signatures.
- Protests under the slogan "Stop the Catholic ban on abortion" have also taken place.
- A demonstration, organized by Sarah Gonschorek (Greens), is scheduled before the hearing.
- The procession will pass by the Lippstadt Clinic - Christian Hospital and proceed to the vicinity of the court.
- The police expect "a thousand or more" participants.
- The ban applies not only to Volz's activities at the Lippstadt Clinic but also to his private practice in Bielefeld.
- The new employer is not bound by previous regulations regarding abortions.
- The merged hospital's service instructions prohibit performing abortions, except in certain life-threatening situations.
- Section 218 of the Criminal Code allows for abortion to be legal in specific circumstances.
- Volz demands an "end to the criminalization of abortions and an end to the church's influence on medical care."
- Violations of the service instructions could result in consequences up to termination of employment.
- Volz must ensure that all employees comply with the service instructions.
- The new Catholic hospital has a legitimate interest in ensuring that its leading employee does not perform abortions.
- This is the most recent and authoritative ruling as of August 2025.
- A verdict is expected from the court on the same day.
- Volz (67) is prepared to go through further judicial instances if necessary.
- Health and wellness, including reproductive health, is a key concern in this debate.
- Fitness and exercise, effective self-care, and mental health are also relevant topics in this discussion.
- The case underscores the complex interplay between personal beliefs, medicine, and law.
