Tue Jun 17 18:45:26 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

British lawmakers are debating amendments to a crime bill that would decriminalize abortion, prompted by concerns over the prosecution of women who end their own pregnancies. The debate centers on two amendments: one that prevents the prosecution of women ending their pregnancies and another that extends this protection to medical professionals aiding in abortions. Supporters argue this protects vulnerable women from unjust legal action, while opponents fear it will lead to unrestricted abortion access and endanger unborn babies.

**News Article:**

**British Parliament Debates Decriminalizing Abortion Amid Growing Concerns**

**LONDON – June 18, 2025** – The British House of Commons engaged in heated debate Tuesday over proposals to decriminalize abortion, amidst mounting concerns that outdated laws are being used to prosecute women who terminate their own pregnancies.

Two amendments to a broader crime bill are at the heart of the discussion. The first, introduced by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, aims to prevent the prosecution of women who take steps to end their pregnancies at any stage. Antoniazzi highlighted that over 100 women have been investigated for illegal abortions in the past five years, including some who experienced miscarriages. “This is not justice, it is cruelty, and it has got to end,” she stated, arguing the amendments are needed to protect vulnerable women.

A second, more expansive amendment seeks to protect medical professionals and others who assist women in abortions from prosecution.

Currently, abortions are legal in England, Scotland, and Wales up to 24 weeks and later under specific circumstances. Temporary changes implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic allowing women to receive abortion pills by mail have led to cases where women were prosecuted for illegally obtaining and using the pills after the 24-week limit.

However, the proposals face strong opposition from anti-abortion groups. Alithea Williams, of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, warned that the amendments would strip away protection for unborn babies and leave women vulnerable to abuse. “Unborn babies will have any remaining protection stripped away, and women will be left at the mercy of abusers,” She argued.

The outcome of the debate will have significant implications for abortion access and women’s healthcare rights across the United Kingdom.

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