Fact Check: 242-vote majority decriminalises abortion, marking a historic shift in women's rights.

Fact Check: "242-vote majority decriminalises abortion, marking a historic shift in women's rights."

What We Know

On June 17, 2025, Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK voted overwhelmingly to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales. The amendment, proposed by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, passed with a significant majority of 242 votes, with 379 MPs voting in favor and 137 against (BBC, The Independent). This vote represents the most substantial change to abortion legislation in nearly 60 years, effectively removing the threat of prosecution for women who terminate their pregnancies (Metro, The Guardian).

The current legal framework allowed abortion only under specific circumstances, primarily up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, and required the approval of two doctors (The Sun). With the passing of this amendment, women will no longer face criminal investigations for terminating pregnancies outside these rules, although penalties remain for those who assist in illegal abortions (Good Law Project).

Analysis

The claim that a "242-vote majority decriminalises abortion" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The overwhelming support in Parliament indicates a significant shift in the legislative landscape regarding reproductive rights in the UK. The amendment's passage is described as a historic moment, marking the first time Parliament has voted to decriminalise abortion since the 1967 Abortion Act (BBC, The Independent).

Critically, the sources reporting on this event are reputable news organizations, including the BBC, The Guardian, and The Independent, which are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. Additionally, the support from various medical and legal organizations, such as the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the British Medical Association, lends further credibility to the significance of this legislative change (Good Law Project).

However, it is important to note that while this amendment marks a significant step forward, it does not fully decriminalise abortion in all contexts, as it still allows for penalties against those who assist women in obtaining abortions outside the legal framework (Metro). This nuance is crucial in understanding the full implications of the vote.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that a "242-vote majority decriminalises abortion, marking a historic shift in women's rights" is accurate. The substantial majority in Parliament reflects a significant legislative change that removes the threat of prosecution for women regarding their reproductive choices, marking a pivotal moment in the advancement of women's rights in the UK.

Fact Check: 242-vote majority decriminalises abortion, marking a historic shift in women's rights.