MPs vote to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales

MPs vote to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales

In a landmark free vote, the House of Commons passed an amendment to the Crime & Policing Bill by 379 to 137, removing criminal penalties for women who end their own pregnancies outside the legal framework. The reform does not affect the existing 24-week limit or the requirement for two doctors’ approval. Healthcare professionals performing abortions beyond legal bounds can still face prosecution. This marks the most significant change to abortion law since the 1967 Act.

Read a WTX News report on the historic vote

🔁 Reactions:

• Government (Tonia Antoniazzi MP): “Today marks a historic step in women’s rights—ending the fear of criminalisation when experiencing miscarriage or self‑managed abortion.”
• Opposition (Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch): “This change removes vital legal protections and opens the door to dangerous late‑term terminations.”
• Viral/Public (BPAS chief Heidi Stewart): > “There will be no more women dragged from hospital beds… a landmark moment for women’s rights.”

📰 Bias Snapshot:

• Reuters/AP/Guardian are factual and empathetic, focusing on legal changes, vote numbers, and the real-world impact on women and prosecutions (reuters.com).
• The Times raises cautious concern over increased late-term terminations and the speed of change without widespread review (thetimes.co.uk).
• The Sun focuses on controversy, presenting opposing voices who fear the amendment could permit abortions even ‘up to birth’ (politico.eu).

📊 Sentiment: Positive–neutral.

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• reuters.com
• apnews.com
• theguardian.com