Modernizing Abortion Laws

A pivotal vote on the decriminalization of abortion in England and Wales is on the horizon, as Labour MP Stella Creasy is set to propose an amendment this week. This move comes amid increasing concerns over the antiquated 1861 law that technically deems abortion unlawful.

Outdated Legislation and Pressing Need for Reform: The current British law, dating back to 1861, deems abortion procedures unlawful except under specific criteria outlined in the 1967 Abortion Act. Despite the act providing exceptions, recent instances reveal an alarming increase in the prosecution of women under the archaic law, raising the urgency for comprehensive reform.

Northern Ireland’s Influence and Recent Developments: The decriminalization of abortion in Northern Ireland in 2020 has intensified pressure on the UK government to bring about similar changes in England and Wales. This move highlighted the stark contrast in reproductive rights across different regions of the UK.

Abuse of Outdated Legislation: Recent cases, including the prosecution of a 15-year-old girl awaiting potential charges after a natural stillbirth, underscore the urgent need for reform. Instances of women facing legal consequences for taking abortion pills and a mother sentenced to imprisonment for terminating her pregnancy have sparked outrage.

Stella Creasy’s Advocacy for Human Rights: Stella Creasy, a persistent advocate for abortion decriminalization, emphasizes that abortion is a human right and should be a medical, not criminal, matter. Her proposed amendment aims to shift the focus from criminalization to a medical approach while maintaining existing time limits and regulations.

Cross-Party Support for Reform: Both Labour and Conservative MPs are calling for a revamp of outdated laws. Diana Johnson stresses the need to engage with medical professionals to develop a regulatory regime that prioritizes patient safety over criminal sanctions. Conservative MP Jackie Doyle-Price expresses horror at the outdated laws and advocates for regulating abortion as a medical procedure.

Unimplemented Measures and Disparities: Despite MPs voting in favor of buffer zones around abortion clinics over a year ago, no such law has been implemented in England and Wales. This delay contrasts sharply with the prompt introduction of buffer zones in Northern Ireland alongside the decriminalization of abortion.

As the debate unfolds, the potential decriminalization of abortion in England and Wales reflects a broader call for updating laws that no longer align with medical advancements and evolving societal norms.

The outcome of this vote holds significant implications for women’s reproductive rights and healthcare across the region.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The politicshome