MPs yesterday debated decriminalising abortion following a public petition on the subject. The debate was led by All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group member Tony Vaughan MP. Humanists UK welcomes the debate and calls on MPs to back an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill to take abortion out of the criminal code. This is likely to be voted on later this month.
The debate was called as the petition calling on the Government to decriminalise abortion received more than 100,000 signatures. It took place ahead of a proposed amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill which seeks to remove women from the criminal law in relation ending their own pregnancies led by Tonia Antoniazzi MP and has the support of over 115 cross-party MPs and 50 pro-choice organisations including BPAS, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and Humanists UK. The amendment will not change abortion time limits or its provision in any way. If selected, the amendment will be voted on later this month.
In her speech Tonia Antoniazzi MP warned that since 2020, around 100 women have been criminally investigated, six have faced court, and one has been sent to prison, on suspicion of illegal abortion offences. Across the world nearly 60 jurisdictions do not criminalise women who seek to end their pregnancy outside the law including Northern Ireland, Ireland, France, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
Currently, abortion is a criminal offence across the UK under the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act (OAPA), as well as the Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1929, which state that a woman or anyone assisting her in procuring an abortion can face life imprisonment. Since 1967 the Abortion Act has created exceptions to the law, allowing women to legally and safely access abortions in certain circumstances and with the consent of two doctors. Although most women are able to access abortion services under this provision, those who do not can be prosecuted and face a life sentence as the abortion would take place outside of the Act.
Humanists UK Public Affairs Manager Karen Wright commented:
‘No woman should face criminal prosecution for ending her own pregnancy, and we thank those who signed the petition calling for compassionate reform. We urge MPs to support the amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill to take abortion out of the criminal code.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959.
Read the Westminster Hall debate on decriminalising abortion.
Read more about our work on sexual and reproductive rights.
Sign our petition to call for abortion to be taken out of the criminal code.
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