Fact Check: 242-vote majority decriminalises abortion, marking a historic shift in UK law.

Fact Check: "242-vote majority decriminalises abortion, marking a historic shift in UK law."

What We Know

On June 17, 2025, Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK voted to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales. The amendment, proposed by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, was passed with a significant majority of 242 votes, with 379 MPs voting in favor and 137 against (BBC, Reuters). This legislative change marks the most substantial alteration to abortion laws in England and Wales in nearly 60 years, effectively removing the threat of prosecution for women who terminate their pregnancies outside the existing legal framework (AP News, ITV).

The current law permits abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy under specific circumstances, but the new amendment aims to provide women with greater legal protection and support (The Times).

Analysis

The claim that a "242-vote majority decriminalises abortion" is substantiated by multiple reputable sources. The vote's outcome is confirmed by the BBC, which explicitly states that the amendment was passed by a majority of 242 votes (BBC). Additionally, the significance of this vote is highlighted by various news outlets, including Reuters and AP News, which emphasize that this change represents a historic shift in UK law regarding abortion (Reuters, AP News).

The amendment's passage is supported by a broad coalition of MPs and organizations, indicating a strong consensus on the need for reform. Notably, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and other abortion providers backed the amendment, reinforcing its legitimacy (ITV, The Times).

While some sources, such as the Telegraph, mention that the amendment allows for abortion at any stage of gestation, this aspect is more contentious and reflects ongoing debates about the extent of abortion rights in the UK (Telegraph). However, the core claim regarding the decriminalisation of abortion and the majority by which it was passed remains uncontested.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that a 242-vote majority decriminalises abortion in the UK is accurate. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that the amendment was indeed passed with a majority of 242 votes, representing a significant legal shift in the treatment of abortion in England and Wales. This legislative change not only decriminalises abortion but also reflects a broader societal shift towards supporting women's reproductive rights.

Sources

1. Abortion statistics, England and Wales: 2022 - GOV.UK
2. MPs vote to decriminalise abortion for women in England ... - BBC
3. UK parliament votes to decriminalise abortion, repeal ... - Reuters
4. UK lawmakers vote to decriminalize abortion amid concern ... - AP News
5. Abortion in the United Kingdom - Wikipedia
6. MPs vote to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales - ITV
7. MPs vote to decriminalise abortion at any point up to birth - Telegraph
8. MPs vote to decriminalise abortion - The Times