In a significant reform, the UK Parliament has voted to decriminalize some late-term abortions, allowing women in England and Wales to terminate their pregnancies without fear of prosecution or imprisonment. The lower house of Parliament endorsed new legislation by a landslide vote of 379 to 137.
Currently, abortion is allowed up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, with certain exceptions for cases where the woman’s life is at risk. However, some women have been prosecuted for ending their pregnancies outside these rules, particularly those taking abortion pills online and at home during the third trimester.
The new law changes this by barring investigations, arrests, prosecutions, or imprisonments for terminating pregnancies regardless of term or trimester. This move aims to provide care and support to women instead of criminalization.
While the law does not alter clinical setting rules or protect medical professionals assisting with late-term abortions, it is seen as a significant step forward in recognizing women’s rights. The change is likely to be approved in the upper house of Parliament, the House of Lords, before taking effect.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/18/g-s1-73294/uk-parliament-bans-women-prosecuted-late-term-abortion