Between 1933 and 1945, the National Socialist regime influenced parenthood in general and maternity in particular. After Adolf Hitler came to power, a series of measures were implemented regarding population, race, and gender policies, which focused on women as mothers and potential mothers. These measures encouraged the fertility of so-called Aryans (white race) and limited the population growth of those who were deemed undesirable.

Each woman was classified in one of four groups: Those encouraged to marry and have children; those discouraged to marry or have children; those allowed to marry but should be sterilized; and those who must be sterilized and not allowed to marry.