UK Abortion Decriminalisation: Latest News & Women’s Rights
Breaking news: England and Wales are set to decriminalize abortion, a pivotal move to protect women’s rights. Parliament voted to amend existing laws, a direct response to the prosecution of women, including those who have experienced miscarriages, under outdated legislation. This importent step towards abortion law reform aims to shield vulnerable women from severe criminal penalties, perhaps including life sentences, for ending a pregnancy. The recent amendment, passed in the House of Commons, reflects growing concerns about the submission of current laws.This vital shift underscores the importance of accessible healthcare. News Directory 3 is following the story closely. Discover the latest updates and the impact this will have, examining the future of women’s health.
England, Wales Move to Decriminalize Abortion After Prosecutions
Updated June 17, 2025
British lawmakers have taken steps to decriminalize abortion in England and Wales amid worries about the prosecution of women who end pregnancies. The House of Commons approved an amendment to a crime bill on Tuesday, aiming to shield women from criminal penalties under an old law.
The current law allows for criminal charges against women who terminate a pregnancy after 24 weeks or without the consent of two doctors. Penalties can include a life sentence. The amendment passed by a vote of 379-137. The crime bill is expected to pass the House of Commons before moving to the House of Lords, where it could face delays.
Labor MP Tonia Antoniazzi, who introduced one of the amendments, said the change is needed because police have investigated more than 100 women in the past five years for suspected illegal abortions.Some of these investigations involved women who had miscarriages or stillbirths.
“This piece of legislation will only take women out of the criminal justice system because they are vulnerable and they need our help,” Antoniazzi said. “Just what public interest is this serving? This is not justice, it is indeed cruelty and it has got to end.”
Changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed women to recieve abortion pills by mail and end thier pregnancies at home within the first 10 weeks. However, this led to cases where women were prosecuted for illegally obtaining abortion pills and using them after 24 weeks.
In May, Nicola Packer was acquitted after taking abortion medicine around 26 weeks into her pregnancy, exceeding the 10-week limit for at-home use. Packer,45,told jurors she did not realize she was so far along. The trial followed a four-year police investigation.
In 2023, Carla Foster was jailed for obtaining abortion tablets to end her pregnancy between 32 and 34 weeks. The Court of Appeal later suspended her sentence.These cases highlight the need for abortion law reform and access to safe and legal abortion services.
What’s next
The crime bill now heads to the House of Lords, where it could face delays but is not expected to be blocked. The decriminalization of abortion in England and Wales marks a meaningful step toward protecting women’s reproductive rights and ensuring access to healthcare without fear of criminal prosecution.