Today (18 March 2026), the RCOG welcomes the news that Peers have voted in support of a landmark amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, Clause 208. This amendment removes women from the criminal law related to abortion in England and Wales, to ensure that women will no longer be subject to years-long investigation, criminal charges, and custodial sentences for ending their own pregnancy.
Dr Alison Wright, President of the RCOG said:
“I am delighted that Peers have voted today to remove women from the criminal law in relation to abortion in England and Wales. This is a significant moment for women and sends a powerful signal that their rights and autonomy matter. For too long, women have been at risk of lengthy and deeply distressing criminal investigations at times of acute vulnerability, rather than receiving the care and support they need.
“Today’s decision helps ensure that women are met with compassion, confidentiality and appropriate medical care- not fear of criminalisation.
“The College has been campaigning for this change for many years, and this decision reflects the voices of more than 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 or prosecution.”
In response to the House of Lords’ decision to support amendment 426B, which would provide pardons and expunge the criminal records of women investigated, arrested or prosecuted for ending their own pregnancy, she added:
“We very much welcome the House of Lords’ support for this measure that seeks to pardon women previously prosecuted under outdated and unjust abortion laws. This is about recognising past injustice and ensuring no one carries a criminal record for something that should never have been treated as a crime.
“We urge MPs to back these protections when the Bill returns to the House of Commons.”
- The RCOG’s joint position statement with over 50 other organisations calling on parliament to protect women’s essential reproductive rights: Multiagency Call for urgent action by parliament to protect women’s essential reproductive rights | RCOG
- Access our media FAQs on abortion decriminalisation here: FAQs: Abortion decriminalisation position statement | RCOG