Fact Check: MPs vote to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales.

Fact Check: MPs Vote to Decriminalise Abortion for Women in England and Wales

What We Know

On June 17, 2025, British lawmakers voted to decriminalize abortion for women in England and Wales. The amendment, proposed by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, passed with a significant majority of 379 votes in favor and 137 against, marking a pivotal change in abortion legislation that had remained largely unchanged for nearly 60 years (Reuters, BBC).

The current legal framework allowed for abortions under specific conditions, primarily up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, but technically classified abortion as a crime under the Offenses Against the Person Act of 1861. This law could impose severe penalties, including life imprisonment, although the Abortion Act of 1967 provided legal grounds for abortions under certain circumstances (New York Times, Washington Post).

The new amendment aims to prevent women from being prosecuted for terminating their pregnancies, particularly in cases where they might have exceeded the 24-week limit due to extenuating circumstances, such as domestic abuse or mental health issues (BBC, The Guardian). However, medical professionals who assist in abortions outside the legal framework could still face prosecution (Reuters).

Analysis

The vote to decriminalize abortion reflects a significant shift in public and political sentiment regarding reproductive rights in the UK. The overwhelming support in Parliament suggests a strong consensus among lawmakers that the existing laws were outdated and needed reform. This sentiment is echoed by public opinion, with surveys indicating that around 88% of the British population supports a woman's right to choose an abortion (New York Times).

Critics of the amendment, such as the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, argue that decriminalization poses a threat to unborn children and could lead to further liberalization of abortion laws in the future (New York Times, The Guardian). However, proponents, including medical organizations like the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, argue that abortion should be treated as a healthcare issue rather than a criminal one, emphasizing the need for support and care for women facing difficult circumstances (New York Times, BBC).

The sources used in this analysis are credible and come from established news organizations with a history of covering political and social issues. The Reuters and BBC reports provide factual accounts of the legislative process and the implications of the vote, while the New York Times and Washington Post offer contextual analysis of the broader implications of the decision in relation to global trends in abortion rights (Reuters, New York Times, Washington Post, BBC, The Guardian).

Conclusion

The claim that "MPs vote to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales" is True. The recent vote in Parliament represents a landmark decision to change the legal status of abortion, moving towards a system that recognizes the complexities surrounding women's health and reproductive rights. This change aligns with broader trends in public opinion and reflects a significant shift in legislative attitudes towards abortion in the UK.

Fact Check: MPs vote to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales.