In a landmark move, MPs in England and Wales have voted overwhelmingly to decriminalise abortion for women, marking the most significant reform in nearly 60 years.The amendment, introduced by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi as part of the Crime and Policing Bill, passed with a majority of 242 votes (379 in favour, 137 against). It removes the threat of criminal investigation for women who end their pregnancies outside the current legal framework, including after the 24-week limit.However, the change does not apply to those assisting in unlawful abortions, such as medical staff, who may still face legal consequences. The existing abortion regulations—including the 24-week limit, grounds for termination, and the requirement for two doctors’ approval—remain intact.Antoniazzi cited the case of Nicola Packer, a woman prosecuted after suffering a stillbirth at home following a medical abortion at around 26 weeks, to highlight how current laws unjustly criminalise vulnerable women. She called the existing legislation “a Victorian law” passed by an all-male Parliament, now being used against women in distress.Labour MP Stella Creasy had proposed a more sweeping reform to repeal abortion clauses in the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act and make abortion a protected human right. Though backed by 108 MPs, her proposal was not brought to a vote, with abortion providers warning it wasn’t the best path to long-term reform.Meanwhile, Conservative MP Dr Caroline Johnson’s attempt to require in-person consultations before abortion pills could be prescribed was voted down, with 379 MPs opposing it.Prof. Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, welcomed the vote, calling it a “victory for women’s reproductive rights” and a reflection of broad public and professional support.BPAS Chief Executive Heidi Stewart, a long-time campaigner for reform, described the vote as a “landmark moment” that would prevent women from being criminalised for miscarriages or late-term complications.However, the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) strongly opposed the change. Alithea Williams of SPUC argued that it removes legal protection for unborn children, even up to the point of birth.The amendment still requires approval from the House of Lords before it becomes law.
