Fact Check: "379 MPs supported the amendment to decriminalise abortion."
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK voted to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales. This significant legislative change was spearheaded by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, who introduced an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill. The amendment received overwhelming support, with 379 MPs voting in favor and 137 against (BBC, Reuters, AP News). This vote marked the most substantial alteration to abortion laws in the UK in nearly 60 years, aiming to remove the criminal penalties associated with abortion and to provide women with necessary care rather than prosecution (BBC, The Guardian).
The current legal framework allows abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy under specific circumstances, and the amendment does not alter the existing regulations regarding abortion services or the time limits for legal abortions (BBC, The New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that 379 MPs supported the amendment to decriminalise abortion is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The BBC, Reuters, and AP News all confirm the vote count, stating that the amendment passed with 379 votes in favor (BBC, Reuters, AP News). The sources are reputable, with the BBC being a well-established news organization known for its journalistic integrity, and both Reuters and AP News being respected international news agencies.
The context surrounding the vote is also critical. The amendment was framed as a necessary reform to protect vulnerable women from criminal prosecution, particularly in light of recent cases where women were investigated for ending their pregnancies (BBC, The Guardian). This legislative change has garnered support from various medical and legal organizations, further reinforcing its significance and the broad consensus among lawmakers on the issue (BBC, Sky News).
However, it is essential to note that opposition exists, particularly from anti-abortion groups who argue that decriminalisation could lead to unrestricted access to abortion (AP News, The Guardian). This opposition highlights the contentious nature of the topic but does not detract from the factual accuracy of the vote count.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that 379 MPs supported the amendment to decriminalise abortion is accurate and well-supported by multiple credible sources. The overwhelming majority in favor of the amendment reflects a significant shift in legislative attitudes towards abortion rights in the UK, marking a pivotal moment in reproductive rights history.
Sources
- MPs vote to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales - BBC Link
- UK parliament votes to decriminalise abortion, repeal Victorian-era law - Reuters Link
- UK lawmakers vote to decriminalize abortion amid concern about the prosecution of women - AP News Link
- Lawmakers Vote to Decriminalize Abortions for Women in England and Wales - The New York Times Link
- UK lawmakers vote to decriminalize abortion amid concern - Washington Post Link
- MPs vote to decriminalise abortion in step forward for reproductive rights - The Guardian Link
- MPs vote to decriminalise abortion - Yahoo News Link
- MPs vote to decriminalise abortion | Politics News | Sky News Link
