Responding to the Rex v Nicola Packer trial verdict at Isleworth Crown Court today (Thursday 8 May), Dr Ranee Thakar, RCOG President, said:
“As a doctor, I am acutely aware of how vital it is that women can access essential healthcare in a safe and supportive environment. Restrictive abortion laws in England and Wales nurture an environment of fear, stigmatisation and criminalisation. They needlessly subject women to prolonged investigation, criminal charges, and custodial sentences for ending their own pregnancy.
“The Rex v Nicola Packer case at Isleworth Crown Court that concluded today shows just how outdated and harmful these laws have become. Abortion reform is urgently needed and now is the time for change.
“The RCOG, along with healthcare professionals and experts from over 30 other medical, legal and public health bodies are calling on Parliament take urgent action to protect women’s essential reproductive rights and stop these criminal proceedings.
“Abortion law in England and Wales is the oldest healthcare law in existence, at more than 50 years old. We must bring our law up to date so that women and girls in England and Wales have the same rights as those in Northern Ireland, Ireland, Canada, France, Australia and New Zealand.”
- Read more about our campaign to decriminalise abortion here.