UK Lawmakers Vote to Decriminalize Abortion in England and Wales
British Parliament votes to decriminalize abortion, addressing concerns over women's prosecution and late-term procedures, amidst opposition from anti-abortion groups.
Overview
- The UK House of Commons voted 379 to 137 to decriminalize abortion, allowing women to terminate pregnancies without fear of prosecution.
- The amendment aims to update outdated laws and prevent criminal investigations into women seeking abortions, addressing recent concerns.
- Current law permits abortions up to 24 weeks, with potential extensions under special circumstances, reflecting a shift towards women's rights.
- Opposition from anti-abortion groups highlights fears of unrestricted access to abortion at any stage of pregnancy, raising ethical debates.
- The bill must pass through both chambers of Parliament, including the House of Lords, before becoming law, marking a significant legislative change.
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Analysis
Emphasizes the UK Parliament's decision to decriminalize abortion, addressing women's prosecution concerns.
Anti-abortion groups opposed the measures, fearing it would lead to unrestricted abortion access throughout pregnancy.
Supporters of the bill believe it is a significant reform that would prevent women from being incarcerated for terminating their pregnancies.
The House of Commons approved an amendment to a broader crime bill to prevent women from being criminally punished under an antiquated law.
Abortion is legal up to 24 weeks in England, Scotland, and Wales, with exceptions for special circumstances.
British lawmakers voted to decriminalize abortion in England and Wales, including late-term abortions, after arguing it was cruel to prosecute pregnant women for ending a pregnancy.
Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi introduced an amendment due to over 100 women being investigated for suspected illegal abortions in the past five years.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the law in England and Wales allow women to receive abortion pills by mail and terminate their own pregnancies at home within the first 10 weeks.
The amendment passed with a vote of 379 to 137.
At least 100 women have been investigated for having an abortion in the UK in the last five years, with six appearing in court.
Abortion is illegal beyond 24 weeks of pregnancy in England and Wales, except in cases where the woman's life is at risk.
Only three women were convicted of having an illegal abortion between 1861 and November 2022, when the law was changed to allow women to take abortion pills at home up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Articles (14)
Center (6)
"…The amendment passed 379-137, marking a significant step towards protecting women's rights in England and Wales."
CBS News·16d·"…The new law changes that."
NPR·16d·"…This piece of legislation will only take women out of the criminal justice system because they are vulnerable and they need our help."
NBC News·16d·"…Supporters of the bill said it was a landmark reform that would keep women from going to prison for ending their pregnancy."
ABC News·16d·"…MPs have voted to change abortion legislation to stop women in England and Wales being prosecuted for ending their pregnancy."
BBC News·17d·"…The Gower MP also criticised an amendment from Conservative shadow health minister Dr Caroline Johnson, which would require a pregnant woman to have an in-person consultation before lawfully being prescribed medication to terminate her pregnancy."
BBC News·17d·FAQ
The amendment was part of a broader crime bill and aimed to prevent women from being prosecuted under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 for ending pregnancies, regardless of the gestational age. It was introduced by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi.
Currently, abortions are legally permitted up to 24 weeks in England, Scotland, and Wales, with potential extensions under special circumstances. Northern Ireland decriminalized abortion in 2019, and Scotland's abortion law was devolved in 2016. The UK Parliament's vote aims to further protect women from prosecution.
The bill must be passed by the House of Commons and then proceed to the House of Lords, where it can be delayed but not blocked. The opposition primarily comes from anti-abortion groups, who fear unrestricted access to abortion might result from the change.
History
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