The House of Lords voted on March 18th to remove criminal penalties for women who terminate pregnancies outside the existing legal framework in England and Wales, a move hailed by reproductive rights advocates and condemned by religious leaders and pro-life groups.
Peers rejected two key amendments proposed by conservative members and Church of England bishops. The first, moved by Baroness Philippa Stroud, would have mandated in-person consultations with a medical professional before the prescription of abortion medication. The second, put forward by Baroness Rosa Monckton, sought to entirely delete Clause 208 of the Crime and Policing Bill, which decriminalises self-induced abortion at any stage of pregnancy. The votes were 191 to 119 against Stroud’s amendment and 185 to 148 against Monckton’s, according to reports.
The passage of Clause 208, originally tabled as New Clause 1 by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi and approved by the House of Commons in June 2025, means women will no longer face investigation, arrest, or prosecution for self-managing an abortion outside of clinical settings. However, the legislation explicitly maintains the existing legal framework for clinic-based abortions, including the requirement for two doctors’ signatures and the current 24-week limit. Doctors performing illegal terminations will still be subject to prosecution.
Proponents of the change argue it protects vulnerable women, particularly those facing domestic abuse or experiencing barriers to accessing NHS services. Louise McCudden, of MSI Reproductive Choices UK, stated that criminalising healthcare decisions is “harmful” and that the vote provides “relief to women previously affected” by the threat of prosecution. The Centre for Women’s Justice has also argued that police already exercise discretion in deciding whether to pursue investigations, and the change clarifies the legal position.
Opponents expressed concern that the removal of criminal penalties could weaken safeguards and potentially lead to an increase in late-term abortions. Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally emphasized the importance of recognizing the value of every unborn life. Right to Life UK spokesperson Catherine Robinson stated that the vote removes “important deterrents” against late self-managed abortions and could enable sex-selective terminations without accountability. The organization argues that women could now obtain abortion pills remotely or illicitly beyond the 24-week limit without facing legal consequences.
Social media reactions were sharply divided, with some users expressing outrage at the decision and others defending it as a necessary step to protect women’s healthcare rights. The debate reflects broader public opinion, which, according to independent polls, generally supports the existing 24-week clinical limit but shows mixed views on full decriminalisation, with limited public awareness of the current criminal risks to women.
The bill is expected to complete its passage through parliament in the coming weeks. Upon receiving Royal Assent, the law will officially pardon women previously convicted under old abortion laws and ensure no future prosecutions for women managing abortions outside of clinical settings.
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