A significant shift in the UK’s abortion laws is underway, as lawmakers prepare to change legislation that currently allows for the prosecution of women who have abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy. This reform aims to decriminalize abortion beyond this point, reflecting a growing consensus that outdated laws no longer serve women’s health or rights. The move comes amid increasing calls to update laws that date back over 150 years and have caused distress and legal uncertainty for women and healthcare providers alike.
Under the existing legal framework, the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861 criminalizes abortion beyond the 24-week limit, except in narrowly defined circumstances. This has led to a situation where women who seek terminations later in pregnancy risk being prosecuted, a prospect that many argue is unjust and harmful. The proposed change, being considered as part of a wider government bill, would remove criminal sanctions for women undergoing abortions after 24 weeks, while still ensuring that medical professionals remain accountable under healthcare regulations.
Support for the reform is broad, encompassing more than 130 MPs from various political parties. Key figures, including Labour’s Tonia Antoniazzi and Conservative Dan Poulter, have come together to champion the amendment, highlighting the need to protect women from prosecution while maintaining proper safeguards against unlawful practices by others. Their efforts reflect a growing recognition that criminalizing women for abortion is an outdated approach that fails to reflect modern healthcare and societal values.
Medical experts and advocacy organizations have strongly backed the change. Leaders from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of General Practitioners have emphasized that criminal laws around abortion discourage women from seeking timely and safe healthcare, potentially leading to serious health risks. They argue that the current laws were created at a time when women had far fewer rights, making it vital to reform them to better protect women today.
Despite widespread support, the proposed reform has faced opposition from some MPs and groups concerned about potential increases in abortions or the ethical implications of extending access. Some have called for reducing the 24-week limit to 22 weeks, citing advances in neonatal care that improve the survival chances of premature babies. However, many medical professionals warn that such a reduction could severely limit access to necessary care and harm women’s health.
As the debate continues, the outcome of this legislative effort could mark a historic turning point in the UK’s approach to reproductive rights. Removing the threat of criminal prosecution after 24 weeks would provide greater security for women making difficult decisions about their pregnancies and align UK law with evolving social and medical understanding.
