Fact Check: "MPs vote to decriminalise abortion, marking biggest change in 60 years!"
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK voted to decriminalise abortion for women in England and Wales, marking a significant legislative shift in abortion laws that had remained largely unchanged for nearly six decades. The amendment, proposed by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, was part of the Crime and Policing Bill and passed with a majority of 242 votes, receiving support from 379 MPs while 137 voted against it (BBC, Reuters).
The new law stipulates that women will no longer face prosecution for terminating their pregnancies, regardless of the gestational age, thus eliminating the risk of investigation or arrest for those who have abortions outside the current legal framework. However, the law still maintains penalties for anyone who assists a woman in obtaining an abortion outside the established guidelines (NPR, Independent).
Historically, the Abortion Act of 1967 allowed abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy under specific conditions, and this recent amendment represents the most substantial change to those laws since then (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that MPs voted to decriminalise abortion, marking the biggest change in 60 years, is supported by multiple credible sources. The BBC, Reuters, and NPR all confirm the details of the vote and its implications, highlighting the overwhelming support from MPs and the historical context of the legislation (BBC, Reuters, NPR).
Critically, the sources used are reputable news organizations with established track records in reporting on political issues, which lends credibility to their coverage of this significant legislative change. The BBC and NPR, in particular, are known for their comprehensive reporting and adherence to journalistic standards.
However, there are dissenting voices regarding the adequacy of the new law. Some advocates argue that while the amendment is a step forward, it does not fully address the need for comprehensive reproductive rights, as it does not change the existing regulations around abortion services in healthcare settings (Independent, Guardian).
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children expressed concern that the amendment could lead to a lack of legal protections for unborn children, indicating a polarized debate surrounding the issue (Independent).
Overall, the evidence supports the claim that this legislative change is the most significant alteration to abortion laws in the UK since the 1967 Act, reflecting a shift towards more progressive reproductive rights.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that MPs voted to decriminalise abortion, marking the biggest change in 60 years, is accurate. The overwhelming support for the amendment and its implications for women's rights in England and Wales are well-documented across multiple reputable sources, confirming the significance of this legislative change.
Sources
- MPs vote to decriminalise abortion for women in England ... BBC
- UK parliament votes to decriminalise abortion, repeal ... Reuters
- U.K. Parliament bans women from being prosecuted for ... NPR
- Lawmakers Vote to Decriminalize Abortions for Women in England and ... New York Times
- MPs to vote on decriminalising abortion - how the law ... BBC
- MPs vote to decriminalise abortion in biggest change to reproductive ... Independent
- MPs vote to decriminalise abortion in step forward for ... Guardian
- How Welsh MPs voted on decriminalising abortion Wales Online
