17-06-2025
MPs vote to decriminalise abortion
Women will no longer be prosecuted for having an abortion after a landmark vote by MPs.
The biggest change to abortion laws in half a century passed with a majority of 242 in a free vote backed by several cabinet ministers.
Women who terminate a pregnancy after 24 weeks or without approval from two doctors are set to no longer be charged, sentenced or imprisoned.
Anyone who assists a woman in getting an abortion outside the law, including doctors, could still be prosecuted.
The move to decriminalise abortion for pregnant women is set to become law within months, after MPs backed an amendment to the crime and policing bill.
After a two-hour emotional debate, MPs voted for the change by 379 to 137.
This is a breaking story. More to follow
