In a landmark vote, the UK Parliament has taken decisive steps to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales, revoking parts of a 19th-century law that had made terminating a pregnancy a criminal offence punishable by life imprisonment. The amendment received overwhelming support, passing 379 to 137 in a free vote not bound by party directives.

While abortion has been legal since 1967 under certain conditions such as requiring the approval of two doctors and limited to within 24 weeks of pregnancy the original 1861 law remained in force, allowing for criminal prosecution in some cases. Though historically rare, legal actions against women have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly following changes that allowed abortion pills to be taken at home up to 10 weeks. In the past five years alone, more than 100 women have been investigated under the outdated provisions.

The amendment is part of a larger legislative package and will still go through further scrutiny in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Critics, such as Conservative MP Rebecca Paul, have expressed concern that the bill could allow late-term abortions without legal consequences. Supporters, including Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, argue the law has unjustly penalised vulnerable women, including those coerced by abusive partners or experiencing traumatic births.

Though the new measure would end criminal liability for women seeking abortions, medical professionals could still face prosecution if procedures are conducted beyond the legal limit of 24 weeks. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists reports that while only three women were convicted between 1861 and 2022, six have been charged since then, and one sentenced to prison highlighting growing concern over the use of criminal law in reproductive healthcare.