UK parliament votes to decriminalise abortion, repeal Victorian-era law

British MPs have overwhelmingly backed a landmark change to abortion legislation, voting to end the prosecution of women in England and Wales for ending their own pregnancies.

This significant move to decriminalise abortion marks the most substantial reform to the law in nearly six decades. Under the change, women who terminate a pregnancy outside the existing legal framework—such as after the 24-week limit—will no longer face police investigation.

However, the law will continue to criminalise anyone, including healthcare professionals, who helps a woman obtain an abortion outside the legal parameters.

The amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill was tabled by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi and passed with a 242-vote majority. As it was considered a matter of conscience, MPs were free to vote according to their personal views.

Currently, abortion is technically illegal in England and Wales but permitted up to 24 weeks under specific conditions, with further exceptions allowed when the woman’s life is at risk. Women can also use abortion pills at home for pregnancies under 10 weeks.

Arguing for reform, Antoniazzi noted that nearly 99% of abortions occur before 20 weeks, highlighting that only 1% involve women in “desperate circumstances.”