After years of campaigning, England and Wales have officially decriminalised abortion for women in a “landmark moment” as part of proposed changes to the Crime and Policing Bill.
Recent years have seen a worrying increase in criminal cases, after minimal incidences for decades, as more anti-abortion groups receive funding in the UK.
The British Medical Association said the change was “long overdue” when MPs initially voted in favour to decriminalise abortion last June.
The vast majority of abortions happen via medication, many following a remote telephone consultation, which is a suitable option for up to ten weeks.
The rule change does not alter the time limit guidelines in any way, despite false reports claiming that decriminalisation means ‘abortion is now legal up until birth’ in England and Wales.
Medical professionals remain liable, should they knowingly carry out an abortion outside of this strict limitation.
“For those previously convicted, pardons represent the long-overdue recognition that they should never have been criminalised in the first place. »