Fact Check: Society for the Protection of Unborn Children Horrified by Decriminalisation Vote!
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, British lawmakers voted to decriminalize abortion in England and Wales, marking a significant change in abortion legislation. The amendment, proposed by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, aimed to prevent women from being criminally prosecuted for ending their pregnancies, a move that has been described as a response to the increasing number of women being investigated for illegal abortions, including cases of natural miscarriages (AP News, BBC).
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), a prominent pro-life organization in the UK, expressed its dismay at the vote. Alithea Williams, SPUC's public policy manager, stated that the amendment would strip away any remaining legal protections for unborn children, allowing for abortions at any stage of pregnancy without criminal repercussions (BBC, WRAL).
The vote passed with a significant majority of 379 to 137, indicating strong support among lawmakers for the proposed changes (AP News, BBC).
Analysis
The claim that the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children was "horrified" by the decriminalization vote is substantiated by multiple sources. SPUC's public policy manager explicitly stated that the organization was alarmed by the implications of the vote, arguing that it would lead to a lack of legal accountability for abortions performed at any stage of pregnancy (BBC, SPUC).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this claim is high. The Associated Press is known for its rigorous journalistic standards and fact-checking processes, while the BBC is a reputable public broadcaster with a commitment to impartial reporting. Both organizations provided detailed accounts of the legislative changes and the reactions from various stakeholders, including SPUC.
Additionally, the context provided by these reports highlights the broader implications of the legislative change, including the historical context of abortion laws in the UK and the recent prosecutions of women for illegal abortions, which have fueled calls for reform (AP News, BBC).
However, it is essential to note that while SPUC's reaction reflects a specific viewpoint within the broader debate on abortion rights, it does not represent the consensus among all stakeholders. Many organizations and lawmakers support the decriminalization as a necessary step toward protecting women's rights and health (BBC, WRAL).
Conclusion
The claim that the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children was horrified by the decriminalization vote is True. The organization's public statements clearly express their alarm regarding the implications of the legislative changes, which they believe undermine legal protections for unborn children. The evidence from credible news sources supports this assertion, confirming SPUC's position in the ongoing debate over abortion rights in the UK.
Sources
- UK lawmakers vote to decriminalize abortion amid concern ...
- MPs vote to decriminalise abortion for women in England ...
- British lawmakers vote to decriminalize abortion for ...
- MPs to vote on decriminalising abortion - how the law could change
- U.K. lawmakers vote to decriminalize abortion amid ...
- Calls for abortion law change grew louder as number of ...
- SPUC - Making Abortion Unthinkable
- UK lawmakers vote to decriminalize abortion, ending ...
