The UK House of Lords has backed a historic move to remove criminal penalties for women who terminate pregnancies outside the current legal framework. The vote, held on March 18, also paves the way for women previously convicted of having illegal abortions under old abortion laws to be pardoned and have their records cleared.
This comes after a 2025 decision by the House of Commons to decriminalise abortion, while keeping medical safeguards and the 24-week limit for clinic-based terminations intact.Two key proposals from conservative peers and Church of England leaders were rejected:
- Requiring women to have an in-person medical consultation before taking abortion medication.
- Restoring criminal penalties for women who act outside the legal limits.
With these amendments blocked, women will not face prosecution even if they manage their own abortion outside clinics. Doctors and medical professionals acting illegally can still face charges.
Supporters say it protects women
Pro-choice campaigners and MPs said the reform protects vulnerable women, especially those facing domestic abuse or marginalised communities.Louise McCudden from MSI Reproductive Choices UK said, “Criminalising women for their healthcare decisions is harmful. This vote ends unnecessary prosecutions and gives relief to women previously affected.”
What critics said
Church leaders and pro-life groups criticised the move. Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally said the law could weaken safeguards and stressed the importance of recognising the value of every unborn life.
Conservative peers argued the change could lead to late-term abortions without proper oversight.
Netizens react
Social media reactions were mixed. Some expressed outrage: “Women can now end the life of their unborn baby at any stage, for any reason, without legal consequences. A dark day for Britain.”‘If we don’t protect babies, who are we meant to protect…’, said another user.Others defended the move, saying it stops criminalising women and ensures safety: “No one should be punished for a healthcare decision, especially in difficult circumstances.”The law will take effect after completing final legislative steps. Once enacted, it will officially pardon women convicted under old abortion laws and ensure no future prosecution for women managing abortions outside clinics.