Tue Jun 17 03:31:12 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The UK Parliament is set to vote on a bill that would decriminalize abortion for women in England and Wales, ending potential criminal prosecutions for terminating pregnancies. Currently, women can face charges for abortions after 24 weeks or without doctor approval, under laws dating back to 1861. Recent court cases have highlighted the issue, with some women facing trial and imprisonment for ending their own pregnancies. The proposed law, championed by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, aims to prevent further criminalization of women who terminate their own pregnancies, while still holding those who assist women in getting illegal abortions accountable. The law change is supported by medical colleges, abortion providers, and women’s rights groups.

**News Article:**

**UK Parliament to Vote on Decriminalizing Abortion, Ending Prosecutions of Women**

**London, June 17, 2025:** The UK Parliament is poised to vote today on a landmark bill that would decriminalize abortion for women in England and Wales, a move that could end the contentious practice of prosecuting women for terminating their own pregnancies.

Currently, under laws enacted in 1861, women can face criminal charges, even life imprisonment, for ending a pregnancy after 24 weeks or without the approval of two doctors. However, Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi has proposed an amendment that would ensure no woman commits an offense by terminating her own pregnancy at any time.

The issue has garnered significant attention following several recent court cases. This includes the case of Nicola Packer, who was acquitted after taking abortion medication at 26 weeks, beyond the 10-week limit for at-home use of such medication.

“Women are currently being arrested from hospital bed to police cell and facing criminal investigations on suspicion of ending their own pregnancy,” Ms. Antoniazzi told AFP. “My amendment would put a stop to this.”

The proposed change is backed by some 50 organizations, including abortion providers, medical colleges, and women’s rights groups, who argue that women should not be criminalized for making decisions about their own bodies. The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, however, has denounced the amendment as a threat to unborn babies.

While the amendment seeks to decriminalize abortion for women, it would not change any laws regarding the provision of abortion services, including time limits. Individuals assisting a woman in obtaining an abortion outside of the legal parameters would still face prosecution.

With cross-party support, the amendment is expected to pass in the Commons. Lawmakers will be given a free vote, allowing them to decide based on their personal beliefs. If passed, the new law would align England and Wales more closely with Northern Ireland, which decriminalized abortion in 2019. Scotland is also currently reviewing its abortion laws.

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