The British Parliament has approved an amendment that removes criminal liability for women who have abortions in England and Wales—a move that stands in stark contrast to the direction taken in the United States, where the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 and Donald Trump has publicly backed abortion bans in most states.
The amendment introduces partial decriminalisation of abortions performed after the 24-week limit. However, medical professionals involved in late-term procedures may still face criminal charges.
The House of Commons approved the measure by a wide margin—370 votes to 137. The changes repeal Victorian-era provisions that had been in place for more than 150 years. The decision reflects broad public support: according to a YouGov poll, 88% of Britons believe women should have the right to access abortion.
A Law That Was, but Not Quite
Although abortion has long been permitted in Britain, the procedure technically remained a criminal offence under the 1861 law. De facto legalisation came only with the Abortion Act of 1967, initially allowing termination up to 28 weeks, later reduced to 24. Even then, two doctors' approval and medical justification were required. Abortions beyond this limit are permitted only in exceptional cases—when the mother's life is at risk or in the presence of severe fetal abnormalities.
Why Reform Was Needed
Advocates of the reform argue that outdated laws pose a threat to vulnerable women. Over the past three years, six women have faced prosecution under existing rules. Abortions after the 20th week account for less than 2% of all cases, many linked to violence, mental health issues or situations where parents of underage girls refuse consent. Rather than criminal charges, activists stress, these women need support.
According to Louise McCudden of MSI Reproductive Choices, "Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the anti-choice movement has grown louder—so it's more important than ever for UK lawmakers to take a clear stance and ensure medical care is available to everyone who needs it."
What Exactly Will Change?
The amendment, introduced by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, does not abolish criminal liability altogether but exempts women from arrest or prosecution for ending a pregnancy on their own. Antoniazzi noted that many of those affected are victims of domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, or women who experienced premature labour.
A separate proposal—to require in-person consultations before medical abortions—was rejected.
Support and Criticism
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children called the changes "the most serious threat to unborn children and their mothers" since 1967. Conservative MP Rebecca Smith also voiced concerns that decriminalisation could pave the way for further extensions to abortion limits.
Nonetheless, the amendment has been backed by leading medical and human rights organisations—including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. In a joint statement, they said the reform brings the UK closer to countries where women are no longer subject to criminal penalties for abortion, such as France, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.
Ranee Thakar, president of the College, stated that abortion "should be governed by clinical standards, not criminal law."
Rights That Still Need Defending
Trump Revokes Emergency Abortion Protections in Hospitals. The Rule Had Required Doctors to Save Women With Life-Threatening Complications
Support for Abortion Rights Is Declining Among Men
Women Have Become More Vocal Since the Repeal of Roe v. Wade
The U.S. No Longer Has a Nationwide Right to Abortion
How Reproductive Rights Came to Depend on States and Partisan Majorities
The Scientist Who Gave Women the Right to Choose
The Story of Étienne-Émile Baulieu—A Man Who Changed Reproductive Medicine and Stayed True to Himself
