UK parliament votes to decriminalise abortion, repeal 19th century law
In a major victory for women’s rights, the UK Parliament has voted to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales. Lawmakers supported the amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill by 379 to 137, repealing parts of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. This act had treated abortion as a criminal offence for over 160 years.
The vote ends the legal threat of prosecution for women who end their pregnancies outside current guidelines. Many campaigners view it as the most important change in abortion law since the 1967 Abortion Act.
What the New Law Means
The amendment removes Sections 58 and 59 of the 1861 Act. These sections allowed courts to jail women—even for life—if they terminated a pregnancy outside medical rules. The 1967 Act had protected many abortions, but not all. Until now, women who used abortion pills too late or without approval still faced criminal charges.
Under the new law:
- Women can no longer face prosecution for ending their pregnancies, regardless of the method or timing.
- Doctors must still approve abortions, and the 24-week limit remains in place.
- Unregulated or unsafe abortion providers can still face legal consequences.
This change separates patients from providers. Women will now receive support instead of punishment, while the law will still hold rogue actors accountable.
Why Parliament Acted Now
Recent years have seen several cases where women were charged for ending their pregnancies. Between 2018 and 2023, authorities investigated around 100 women for suspected abortion-related offences.
One case involved Carla Foster, who used abortion pills during the COVID-19 lockdown and was later jailed. Courts later reduced her sentence, but the case shocked many and exposed how outdated the law had become.
Campaigners have long urged Parliament to act. Doctors and human rights groups called the criminal rules cruel, especially for women facing poverty, domestic abuse, or mental health crises. These women, they argued, needed care—not handcuffs.
Broad Political Support with Some Dissent
Labour MP Stella Creasy, a long-time advocate for women’s rights, introduced the amendment. She said Parliament had a duty to treat women with dignity and trust. “It’s time to stop criminalising women for making healthcare decisions,” she told fellow MPs.
Members from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, and some Conservatives supported the measure. They argued that abortion is a healthcare issue and should never have involved criminal courts.
Not all MPs agreed. Some opponents feared the change might weaken safeguards and lead to more late-term abortions. Conservative MP Carla Lockhart argued that the reform “removes critical protection for the unborn.”
Despite the opposition, the strong vote margin reflected growing political and public support for modernising abortion laws.
Still More Steps Ahead
The Criminal Justice Bill, including the abortion amendment, now moves to the House of Lords. After review and possible revisions, it must receive Royal Assent before it becomes law. Observers expect it to pass, given the strong support in the Commons and wide public backing.
Once approved, the new law will bring England and Wales in line with countries like France, Canada, and Australia, where abortion is no longer treated as a crime. Scotland already treats abortion as a healthcare issue. Northern Ireland decriminalised abortion in 2019 through separate legislation.
Medical and Public Reactions
Medical organisations and campaigners welcomed the vote. Clare Murphy, head of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, called it “a huge step forward for women in the UK.” She said the reform will stop the fear many women face when seeking help.
Dr. Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said the change will build trust between patients and providers. “Women should never fear jail for seeking care,” she added.
However, some pro-life organisations remain concerned. They argue the amendment could lead to fewer protections for unborn children. They also warn it could blur ethical lines around late-stage terminations.
What Changes — and What Doesn’t
This reform decriminalises abortion for women, but it does not deregulate the process. Doctors must still approve the procedure, and it remains limited to 24 weeks in most cases. The law still punishes unlicensed practitioners or anyone performing unsafe procedures.
By shifting abortion out of criminal law, the UK affirms that reproductive care is a medical matter, not a criminal one. The change ensures that women making difficult decisions won’t face police investigations, courtrooms, or prison sentences.
A New Era for Reproductive Rights
This vote marks a turning point in the UK’s approach to abortion. Parliament has recognised that outdated laws from the 19th century have no place in a 21st-century health system.
While access challenges remain—such as clinic shortages in rural areas or long wait times—this legal change lays the foundation for a fairer, more compassionate system. It gives women the right to make personal decisions without fear of criminal punishment.
As the bill moves forward, many view this moment as a long-overdue shift towards justice, dignity, and trust in women’s healthcare choices.
