UK Parliament Votes to Decriminalise Abortion England, Wales

British lawmakers have voted decisively to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales by removing women from criminal law related to procuring an abortion, as part of the Crime and Policing Bill. The amendment, championed by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, passed with a majority of 242 votes, aiming to end prosecutions of women who terminate pregnancies, including those suffering late-stage miscarriages, while maintaining legal requirements such as the 24-week limit and doctor approval. This reform aligns England and Wales with countries like Canada, New Zealand, and parts of Australia, treating abortion as a healthcare matter rather than a criminal issue, thereby reducing stigma and protecting vulnerable women from prosecution. Campaigners and MPs argue that the previous Victorian-era laws disproportionately harmed vulnerable groups, including victims of abuse and trafficking, and that the changes will improve safety without increasing abortion rates. Although the law change will not take effect immediately, it is expected to pass into law following royal assent, signaling the most significant change in abortion law in decades. Despite these advances, some anti-abortion groups continue to mischaracterize the reform, but the focus remains on compassion and care rather than criminalization.