Involvement of the Commission in the preparation of the report is evident.
In the heart of Europe, Germany is preparing for a significant event - the annual 'March for Life' - set to occur in Berlin and Cologne on September 20th. This year's demonstration is particularly notable, with the pro-life movement celebrating its success in preventing the election of constitutional lawyer Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf.
The movement, which has been politically aligning itself with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party without formally affiliating, has gained attention for its growing influence and controversial figures. One such figure is Franciscan Father Paulus Tautz, who, in 2025, sparked controversy by comparing protests against the crimes of the Nazi regime in the Dachau concentration camp with those against abortions.
Another controversial figure is Matt Britton, an international guest who, in 2023, made headlines at the 'March for Life' in Munich by claiming that Germany was 'importing refugees while killing German life', a statement that drew widespread criticism.
The movement's connections with international actors and use of new media platforms have been a topic of scrutiny. In Cologne, Caroline Smith and Lauren Handy of the US-American group 'Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising' (PAAU) will speak. The PAAU is known for storming clinics, spreading misinformation, and seeking escalation. Handy, who was convicted for violently storming a clinic and sentenced to 57 months in prison, will also address children and young people in Cologne.
In 2023, a search in Handy's apartment revealed five fetuses, but no charges have been brought in the case where Handy and her accomplice claimed to have received aborted fetuses from a waste management company.
The AfD has invited prominent anti-choice advocates to the Bundestag's legal committee, further fueling concerns about the movement's increasing political influence. AfD functionaries such as Beatrix von Storch and Franz Schmid have also participated in pro-life demonstrations.
In response to the growing pro-life movement, broader counter-protests are forming in both cities. These include feminist alliances, medical professionals, queer groups, and left-wing initiatives. The Berlin demo will commence from the main train station, and in Cologne from the Neumarkt.
Despite the controversy, the BVL anticipates up to 10,000 participants for this year's march, a significant increase from the typical 4,000. The movement's self-identification as a victim of mainstream press censorship and cancel culture has undoubtedly contributed to its growing popularity.
However, the search results do not provide specific names of international speakers for the 'March for Life' in Cologne 2025. There are mentions of greetings from various religious leaders and organizations, such as Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki and Bishop Dr. Stefan Oster, but no detailed list of international speakers is given.
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