The UK House of Lords has backed a historic move to remove criminal penalties for women who terminate pregnancies outside the existing legal framework. The vote, held on March 18, also paves the way for pardons and clearing the records of women previously convicted of illegal abortions under outdated abortion laws.This comes after the House of Commons decided to decriminalize abortion in 2025, while retaining medical safeguards and the 24-week limit for clinic-based terminations.Two major proposals from Conservative peers and Church of England leaders were rejected:
- Women need to seek individual medical advice before taking abortion pills.
- Reinstating criminal penalties for women who act outside the legal limits.
By blocking these amendments, women would not face prosecution even if they manage their abortions outside of clinics. Doctors and medical professionals who work illegally may still face charges.
Supporters say it protects women
Pro-choice campaigners and MPs said the reform protects vulnerable women, particularly those facing domestic abuse or living in marginalized communities.Louise McCudden of MSI Reproductive Choice UK said, “Criminalizing women for their healthcare decisions is harmful. This vote ends unnecessary prosecution and gives relief to women already affected.”
what the critics said
Church leaders and pro-life groups criticized the move. Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally said the law could weaken safeguards and stressed the importance of recognizing the value of every unborn life. Conservative colleagues argued that the change could lead to late-term abortions without proper oversight.
Netizens react
Reactions on social media were mixed. Some expressed outrage: “Women can now end the life of their unborn child at any stage, for any reason, without any legal consequences. A dark day for Britain.”Another user said, ‘If we don’t protect children, who will we protect…’.Others defended the move, saying it prevents criminalization of women and ensures safety: “No one should be punished for a health care decision, especially in difficult circumstances.”The law will take effect after the final legislative steps are completed. Once enacted, it would officially pardon women convicted under outdated abortion laws and ensure no future prosecutions for women who obtain abortions outside of clinics.