Today, the RCOG welcomes the news that MPs have voted in support of a landmark amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, tabled by Tonia Antoniazzi MP. This amendment removes women from the criminal law related to abortion in England and Wales, to ensure that women are no longer be subject to years-long investigation, criminal charges, and custodial sentences for ending their own pregnancy.
The College also welcomes MPs decision not support an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill laid by Caroline Johnson MP which attempted to restrict access to telemedicine for early medical abortion.
Professor Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said,
“This is a victory for women and for their essential reproductive rights.
“I am delighted that MPs have today voted to remove women from the criminal law related to abortion in England and Wales. This sends a powerful signal that women’s rights and autonomy matter. The College has been campaigning to see this achieved for many years, and the decision reflects the voices of over 50 medical, legal and public health organisations. It also reflects the views of the public, who overwhelmingly support the right of women to access abortion care safely, confidentially, and without fear of investigation and prosecution.
“It is also absolutely right that the amendment laid by Caroline Johnson MP was rejected. This recognises the wealth of evidence showing telemedicine for early medical abortion is safe, enables women to access treatment sooner, and is preferred by women. This is the second time MPs have voted in support of telemedicine abortion and it is now time for this attack on abortion provision to stop.
“Now, we must maintain this momentum as the Crime and Policing Bill moves to the House of Lords. The College will continue to work with our partners to ensure that women’s essential reproductive rights are protected and abortion is treated as an essential form of healthcare, subject to regulatory and professional standards like other medical procedures, not criminal sanctions.”
Increasing numbers of women are being prosecuted for ending their pregnancies in the UK outside the grounds of the current legislation. Six women have appeared in court in England over the past two years charged with ending their own pregnancy. Prior to this, there had been only three reported convictions for illegal abortion since the current law was introduced – in 1861.
- Read more around our calls to decriminalise abortion here.