Overview

• Parliament approved the measure with a large majority, moving to eliminate criminal penalties for women once all parliamentary stages are complete.
• The law preserves the current 24-week cutoff and requires approval from two medical practitioners for standard terminations.
• Momentum for reform built on cases like Nicola Packer’s and other women prosecuted after late-term abortions, including those subjected to domestic violence.
• Healthcare providers and anyone aiding unauthorized terminations remain liable for prosecution under the updated legal framework.
• The change represents a major expansion of reproductive rights in Britain and stands in contrast to Germany’s stricter 12-week rule.