Overview

• The House of Commons approved the amendment 379 votes to 137 on June 17 to remove criminal penalties for abortions beyond 24 weeks in England and Wales.
• High-profile prosecutions of women such as Nicola Packer and Carla Foster under the 1861 abortion law spurred the push for decriminalization.
• The reform leaves the 23-week-6-day limit intact and maintains legal risks for anyone who aids or performs an abortion outside approved medical parameters.
• Backed by the British Medical Association and over 50 rights and medical organizations, supporters highlighted over 100 police investigations into suspected illegal terminations in recent years.
• The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children denounced the change as a serious threat to unborn children’s rights.