British lawmakers vote to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales Amendment to the crime and policing bill means women who terminate their pregnancies after 24 weeks will no longer be prosecuted. Euronews · Jun 18, 2025
MPs vote to decriminalise abortion in biggest change to reproductive rights in decades Move opposed by senior politicians including the justice secretary Shabana Mahmood, who branded it ‘extreme’ The Independent UK · Jun 17, 2025
Calls for abortion law change grew louder as number of prosecutions rose While parliament was moving towards more liberal abortion laws more women were being arrested or investigated The Guardian - UK · Jun 17, 2025
MPs vote to decriminalise abortion in step forward for reproductive rights Amendment to crime and policing bill will change law to end prosecution of women who terminate pregnancies The Guardian - UK · Jun 17, 2025
‘Cruel’ criminalisation of women over abortion must end, says MP ahead of vote Tonia Antoniazzi said her proposed ‘narrow, targeted’ measure does not change the rules under the 1967 Abortion Act. Evening Standard · Jun 17, 2025
MPs put forward proposals to decriminalise abortion in England PROPOSALS to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales have been put forward The National (Scotland) · Jun 17, 2025
Justice Secretary tells of opposition to ‘dangerous’ abortion decriminalisation MPs are expected to debate and vote on amendments as part of the wider Crime and Policing Bill. Evening Standard · Jun 17, 2025
MPs set to vote on decriminalising abortion in major debate Abortion in England and Wales remains a criminal offence but is legal with an authorised provider up to 24 weeks The Independent UK · Jun 17, 2025
MPs to debate and vote on decriminalising abortion Various amendments have been out forward as part of the Crime and Policing Bill. Evening Standard · Jun 16, 2025
MPs could vote on two proposals to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales – the debate explained Legal protection of abortion rights in England and Wales is fragile. Abortion has popular support and is readily available on the NHS, but has also generated a series of criminal investigations. Nicola Packer is one of the most recent abortion-seekers facing criminalisation rather than care. She was found innocent in… The Conversation · Jun 16, 2025
British women are being jailed under archaic abortion laws. MPs can act to end that this week Women will really have the right to choose if politicians vote to revoke this Victorian-era legislation, writes Guardian columnist Frances Ryan The Guardian - UK · Jun 16, 2025
Abortion in the UK Still Isn’t a Legal Right — Today That Might Finally Change With MPs having already backed legal changes in England and Wales last year, the Lords are now stepping in to push further amendments. Marie Claire · Jun 3, 2025
MPs debate decriminalising abortion as opponents warn it would be a radical step The issue has come to the fore in recent times with prominent cases such as those of Nicola Packer and Carla Foster. Evening Standard · Jun 2, 2025
Woman cleared of illegal abortion planning complaint over her treatment Nicola Packer told the BBC her situation ‘could have been handled much more compassionately’ and that what she had been through makes her ‘feel sick’. Evening Standard · May 27, 2025
The Guardian - UK · May 19, 2025 Why abortion rights in the UK are getting more and more perilous Campaigners say confused health professionals are driving the increasing prosecutions of women. Others blame the police. Ultimately, the CPS has questions to answer, writes Guardian columnist Zoe Williams
The Guardian - UK · May 14, 2025 The Guardian view on abortion prosecutions: decriminalisation can’t wait Editorial: The trial of Nicola Packer shows why MPs should seize the opportunity to change the law and safeguard vulnerable women now
The Independent UK · May 14, 2025 ‘I gave birth three months early – then police investigated me over an illegal abortion’ IN FOCUS: As MPs call on parliament to vote over decriminalising abortion, one woman tells Bel Trew how the traumatic premature birth of her baby was exacerbated by a year-long police investigation
The Guardian - UK · May 14, 2025 More than 50 cross-party MPs back amendment to decriminalise abortion Labour’s Tonia Antoniazzi tables amendment seeking to remove women from ‘criminal law related to abortion’
Evening Standard · May 13, 2025 Woman cleared of illegal abortion tells of ‘horrific’ wait for justice Nicola Packer said it was ‘absolutely amazing’ to be cleared by the jury.
The Guardian - UK · May 13, 2025 ‘I was right to be frightened’: Nicola Packer on the humiliation and trauma of her trial for illegal abortion Acquitted woman wants to ensure there is never again an abortion trial in England
Evening Standard · May 8, 2025 Abortion case prompts calls for legal reform after woman’s four-year ordeal The investigation has been described by MPs as ‘cruel and unnecessary’ and a ‘shocking wake-up call’ of the need for a change in the law.
Evening Standard · May 8, 2025 Woman accused of having illegal abortion found not guilty Nicola Packer, 45, faced trial at Isleworth Crown Court in south-west London accused of having an illegal abortion.
The Independent UK · May 8, 2025 Woman accused of having illegal abortion in lockdown found not guilty Royal colleges, MPs, abortion providers and Nicola Packer’s best friend say her trial has shown ‘just how outdated and harmful’ current abortion law is as they called for reform
Evening Standard · May 8, 2025 Woman found not guilty of having illegal abortion after trial at west London court Nicola Packer, 45, cried and wiped her eyes with a tissue after she was acquitted by a jury
The Guardian - UK · May 8, 2025 ‘Utterly traumatised’: anger at ordeal of UK woman accused of illegal abortion Calls for law change after ‘cruel and unnecessary investigation’ into Nicola Packer that CPS brought to trial