In a historic decision, the UK Parliament voted to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales. On Tuesday, MPs supported the amendment by 379 votes to 137. This marks the largest change in reproductive rights in over 60 years.
UK Parliament Abortion Law: Parliament Repeals Victorian-Era Abortion Law
The vote removed key parts of the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act. That law made abortion a criminal offence punishable by life in prison.
Although the 1967 Abortion Act allowed legal abortions under specific conditions, women still risked prosecution if they went outside the strict rules.
Until now, women who ended pregnancies after 24 weeks faced police investigations and possible charges.
UK Parliament Abortion Law: What the Amendment Changes
The new amendment protects women from criminal prosecution.
However, doctors and others who perform abortions outside legal rules can still face penalties.
Current abortion rules still apply. Abortions must:
- Happen before 24 weeks, unless in extreme cases
- Be approved by two doctors
UK Parliament Abortion Law: Why Parliament Acted Now
Supporters called the old law outdated and harmful.
Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, who introduced the amendment, said police investigated over 100 women in the past five years.
Some cases involved:
- Premature births
- Abusive partners who forced abortions
- Women taking pills after the 10-week limit
“These cases are a travesty,” Antoniazzi said. “This is not justice. It is cruelty — and it must stop.”
COVID-19 Highlighted Legal Gaps
In 2020, the government allowed women to take abortion pills at home for pregnancies under 10 weeks.
This change gave women more control. But it also led to more investigations when abortions happened past legal time limits.
From 1861 to 2022, only three women faced conviction for illegal abortion. But since 2022, six women have been charged. One woman went to prison.
In May 2025, the courts acquitted Nicola Packer, 45. She took abortion pills at 26 weeks but said she didn’t know how far along she was. Police had investigated her for four years.
UK Parliament Abortion Law: Opposition Voices Concerns
Some MPs strongly opposed the amendment.
Conservative MP Rebecca Paul warned the law could allow late-term abortions without consequences.
“If this becomes law, fully developed babies could be aborted with no consequences for the woman,” she said.
Other MPs said Parliament moved too fast and didn’t allow enough time for debate.
What Happens Next?
The amendment forms part of a broader Criminal Justice Bill.
It must still pass through the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
If approved, the reform would align England and Wales with countries like France, Canada, and Australia, where women are not criminalised for seeking abortion.
A Turning Point for Women’s Rights
This vote marks a major shift in UK law.
While abortion remains regulated, women will no longer face criminal charges for ending pregnancies.
The UK is now taking a clear step toward a more compassionate, modern, and fairer legal system for women.
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