Statement – decriminalisation of abortion

Ultimately, I believe in the legal right of women, and anyone who can get pregnant, to be able to exercise reproductive choice. The 1967 Abortion Act has enabled millions of women to control their futures, consciously plan their families, avoid the trauma of carrying a child conceived through assault, and make informed decisions around potential health risks to themselves and their children.

The vast majority of abortions in the UK (88% in 2022) are carried out before the 10th week of pregnancy, with fewer than 1% being categorised as late term (above 20 weeks). I consider the current limit of 24 weeks to be a logical medical guide, which balances current scientific knowledge on foetal viability and the rights of individuals to self-determination. However, I believe the prosecution of a small number of women, often wrongly accused of undertaking late term abortions, to be cruel, unnecessary and unworthy of a society which values an individual’s equality, dignity, and autonomy.

While the 1967 Act allowed abortion under a limited number of circumstances, abortion remained an offence in England and Wales under the Offences against the Person Act 1861, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Since 2018, 6 women have found themselves in court, with an estimated further 60 to 200 facing intrusive police investigations following abortion or miscarriage. In the vast majority of cases, these have been due to errors made in good faith about the stage of pregnancy, or late term miscarriage. Said investigations have often been drawn out for years and are extremely traumatic for those involved.

I signed amendment NC1 in support of women and tonight it has passed the House of Commons, meaning that women cannot be prosecuted under a 19th Century law.

As always, I welcome discussion or comments on any issue and encourage you to continue contacting me about this or any other important issue.