MPs vote to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales
What Happened
MPs in the House of Commons have approved a landmark move to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales, with a vote of 379 to 137 in favour of an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill—introduced by Labour’s Tonia Antoniazzi. The change removes the threat of prosecution under 19th-century laws for women obtaining abortions outside the regulated framework—such as via online pills or after 24 weeks—but retains current clinical safeguards like the two-doctor rule. The reform follows high-profile cases—including Carla Foster, Bethany Cox, and Nicola Packer—where women faced legal scrutiny, galvanising medical professionals, charities, and even Keir Starmer in support.
What Next
The amendment now proceeds through the House of Lords and towards royal assent, expected to pass given the government’s majority. Its enactment will mean women can no longer be criminalised for seeking abortions outside legal limits. However, the current medical rules remain unchanged. Campaigners and medical bodies are pushing for further reform—such as Stella Creasy’s competing amendment to decriminalise abortion more comprehensively—while opponents warn of risks like late-term terminations without oversight. The shift signifies the most significant change to UK abortion law in nearly 60 years and could pave the way for broader legal with parliamentary review.