”Precisely 50 years ago, 374 women sent shockwaves through the Federal Republic when they declared “We’ve had abortions!” on the now-iconic Stern cover from June 6, 1971. Inspired by the French self-incrimination campaign “Manifesto of the 343 (sluts)” and headed by the feminist figurehead Alice Schwarzer, the women involved in this risky move (they could have been convicted for up to five years in prison for admitting to having had an abortion) exposed the health risks that women undergoing illegal abortions were facing and demanded the striking of §218, the right to abortion for all women, the cost coverage of abortions by health insurance, and free access to contraceptives. The self-incrimination campaign provided the impetus for the country-wide “Action 218” and mobilized a wide range of supporters. Yet, while undeniably brave and crucial, that very activism was not without its problems, some of which continue to contribute to the current impasse, as the arguments that activists raised in favor of the pill and abortion access were sometimes drawing on eugenic reasoning to make their case.”