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University of Potsdam stands behind Professor Brosius-Gersdorf despite allegations
The University of Potsdam supports Professor Brosius-Gersdorf in the debate about denigrating allegations about her positions.
University of Potsdam stands behind Professor Brosius-Gersdorf despite allegations
The University of Potsdam has decided to appoint Professor Dr. To strongly support Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf after allegations of plagiarism became known. This decision remained in place even in the face of new developments that affect not only the public interest, but also the professor's safety.
The university received a large number of emails, predominantly in the form of expressions of solidarity, but also negative feedback and insulting messages. The police also received several suspicious packages. President Prof. Oliver Günther made it clear that the university was proud of Brosius-Gersdorf and described her as a highly respected constitutional lawyer. He expressed the hope that she would still be available for election to the Federal Constitutional Court.
Solidarity and criticism
The university's law faculty released a joint statement reaffirming its solidarity with Brosius-Gersdorf. She describes her as a colleague with integrity and an outstanding colleague who is ideally suited to the office of judge of the Federal Constitutional Court. The faculty particularly strongly criticized the unsubstantiated allegations of plagiarism that were made shortly before the planned vote in the Bundestag. They hope that Brosius-Gersdorf will have the opportunity to present their scientific positions honestly.
At the heart of the allegations is a false claim: it is assumed that she denies the guarantee of human dignity to the unborn life and advocates abortion until birth. Brosius-Gersdorf rejects this statement as inaccurate and denigrating. She emphasizes that from the moment of nidation, human life is entitled to the basic right to life.
Constitutional considerations
The dispute over the plagiarism allegations takes place against the larger background of constant social change regarding abortion legislation in Germany. Since the introduction of Section 218 of the Criminal Code in 1871, abortion has been a central part of passionate debates between the pro-choice and pro-life movements. The last major attempt at reform failed in 1993 at the Federal Constitutional Court, which overturned the time limit for abortions without penalty in the first three months.
Under the current legal framework, abortion is permitted if there is a medical indication. Brosius-Gersdorf aims to point out the existing problems and inconsistencies in abortion law in order to develop solutions for clear regulation. This includes the constitutional dilemma, which is intended in particular to reconcile the human dignity for unborn life enshrined in the constitution and the fundamental rights of pregnant women.
In Germany, actions before the fertilized egg implants are not considered abortion. There is no penalty for an abortion if it takes place within twelve weeks of conception and after counseling. Although attempting an abortion is a criminal offense, pregnant women who attempt an abortion themselves cannot be prosecuted. The discussion about the existing laws is far from over; Since March 2023, a commission has been discussing possible regulatory options outside of the Criminal Code.
The events surrounding Brosius-Gersdorf and the debate about abortion are part of a larger social change that is deeply rooted in German legal history. In the context of the University of Potsdam's expressed support for the professor, it becomes clear how closely legal, social and individual issues are intertwined. These developments and the astonishing reactions to them remain to be observed.