Senior doctors have moved to address widespread misinformation following last week’s House of Lords vote to remove women from the criminal law related to abortion in England and Wales.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has warned that inaccurate claims circulating in recent coverage risk misleading the public about what the proposed legal change would mean in practice.
Dr Alison Wright, President of Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:
“The inaccurate claims being circulated about the proposed abortion law changes are really concerning, and risk seriously misleading the public.
“This change does not legalise abortion ‘up to birth’ or remove current safeguards, as abortion will remain a regulated medical procedure, with the current 24-week time limit, legal criteria and clinical oversight unchanged.
“What this change does is ensure that women themselves are no longer subject to criminal investigation and prosecution for ending their own pregnancy.”
What the law change does - and does not do
The reform is limited and specific:
- It does not remove existing safeguards
- It does not change the 24-week time limit and legal criteria
- It does not deregulate abortion services
No evidence of increase in later abortions
There is no evidence that removing criminal penalties for women would increase later abortions, and no increases have been observed in countries that have decriminalised.
Data shows 89% of abortions take place before 10 weeks, indicating most women access care promptly.
Clarifying misinformation on telemedicine
The RCOG also addressed alarming misinformation around telemedicine for early medical abortion. This service allows women to access the first pill used for an early medical abortion (mifepristone) at home, following a virtual consultation with a qualified nurse or midwife.
Telemedicine is used by over 100,000 women each year in England and Wales and enables earlier, safer access to care.
Dr Jonathan Lord, Consultant Gynaecologist and Co-Chair of the RCOG’s Abortion Taskforce, said:
“Robust evidence has shown telemedicine is safe and preferred by women who benefit from accessing treatment sooner. All patients have a full consultation with a qualified healthcare professional before treatment is prescribed. Women can always choose to be seen face-to-face, and where there is any clinical uncertainty, in-person assessment is always available.
“It is also inaccurate to suggest that telemedicine reduces safeguarding - our experience and evidence shows that it can improve disclosure. We know that across all ages, telemedicine enables us to detect safeguarding issues including from survivors of domestic and sexual violence who may not have been able to speak freely in a clinic or attend one safely.”
Impact on women and healthcare
The RCOG highlighted the real-world consequences of the current law, with some women facing police investigations following pregnancy loss or ending a pregnancy outside the law.
Dr Jonathan Lord, Consultant Gynaecologist and Co-Chair of the RCOG’s Abortion Taskforce, said:
“These cases can last months or even years and have a profound impact - not only on the women involved, but on their families, their existing children and their livelihoods.
“From a healthcare perspective, the risk of criminalisation can deter women - often in very vulnerable situations - from seeking the care or mental health support they need.”
The RCOG said the change would ensure women in these rare cases receive appropriate care and support, rather than criminal sanctions.
Broad medical and public support
The reform is supported by a coalition of over 50 organisations, including Royal Colleges, abortion providers, unions and advocacy groups.
Organisations tackling violence against women and girls - including Refuge, Rape Crisis and the End Violence Against Women Coalition - have also backed the change.
Public opinion also reflects this, with a 2023 YouGov poll finding that 64% of women under 40 believe women should not be prosecuted.
The change would bring England and Wales in line with over 50 countries and territories, including Northern Ireland, France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and 29 out of 49 countries / territories in Europe.
Dr Alison Wright, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said:
“The conversation around the decriminalisation of abortion and access to services must be grounded in evidence and informed by clinical expertise.
“This is about whether women facing some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives are met with compassion and care - or with suspicion and criminal sanction.
“Removing women from the criminal law is a necessary step forward in protecting women’s health and reproductive rights.”
- Read the RCOG’s media FAQ’s on abortion decriminalisation here: FAQs: Abortion decriminalisation position statement | RCOG
- Read the RCOG’s response to the House of Lords support here: RCOG marks historic support from the House of Lords to remove women from the criminal law related to abortion | RCOG
- Read our joint position statement here: Multiagency Call for urgent action by parliament to protect women’s essential reproductive rights | RCOG