2 June 2025 MPs to discuss de-criminalising abortion (4:30pm)

[IwantToRetire]

Just thought I would post as these debates can give an indication of how MPs might vote on a issue should it come to the HoC.

The petition, which received more than 103,000 signatures, stated: "I am calling on the UK government to remove abortion from criminal law so that no pregnant person can be criminalised for procuring their own abortion."

In its response to the petition, provided on 23 December 2024, the Government said: "All women have a right to access to safe, legal abortions on the NHS."

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/326/petitions-committee/news/207030/mps-to-debate-a-petition-relating-to-decriminalising-abortion/

I hope it is decriminalised; I listened to the recent Today in Focus podcast episode about the woman who was facing prosecution for it (waiting four years for it to be thrown out). It sounded like a horrendous ordeal.

Shame about the 'pregnant person' bit.

I've had an email from Citizen Go (or similar outfit) about this, obviously they're on the opposing side of this argument, and they seem to think decriminalisation will lead to huge increases in the numbers of abortions. I really can't see that myself.

Canada, I think, has decriminalized abortion and it (apparently) works ok. There is also the problem of coercion, which current legislation at least mitigates a bit. Generally public opinion is for the length of gestation to be lowered from 24 weeks so I think decriminalization might have push-back for that reason.

MPs vote to decriminalise abortion

MPs overwhelmingly backed an amendment by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, which would result in "removing the threat of investigation, arrest, prosecution, or imprisonment" of any woman who acts in relation to her own pregnancy.

The reform is designed to protect women while maintaining penalties for medical professionals and abusive partners who terminate a pregnancy outside the current legal framework.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/abortion-vote-today-law-change-debate-b2771445.html

That's great news! The UK is leading the way with women's rights even if it is slowly and grudgingly.