CDU to make pediatric U-examinations mandatory - Hamburg's CDU demands mandatory health checks for all young children

Hamburg's CDU party is pushing for stricter rules on children's health checks. Currently, only two of the nine recommended screenings (U6 and U7) are mandatory in the city. The party now wants all U-examinations from U1 to U9 to become compulsory for children up to six years old, ensuring health equity for all.

Germany's U-examinations are a key part of early healthcare, designed to spot health risks and protect young children. While many federal states already require all nine checks, Hamburg has so far only enforced two of them.

The CDU argues that mandatory screenings ensure no child is missed, no matter their family's situation. They claim the city is falling behind by not making all checks legally binding. A recent motion from the party calls on Hamburg's Senate to introduce new laws forcing participation in every U-examination.

The governing SPD and Green parties had previously promised to look into expanding mandatory checks. However, the CDU accuses them of dragging their feet. The party insists clear rules and consistent enforcement are needed to safeguard children's health and improve child protection.

If the CDU's proposal succeeds, Hamburg would join other German states with full mandatory screening laws. The change would mean all children under six must attend every U-examination. Supporters say this would close gaps in early healthcare and improve child protection.