MPs gear up for abortion battle with claims changes would allow termination up to birth

Battle lines have been drawn as MPs prepare to debate controversial changes to the law on which critics say could allow terminations up to birth. Labour MPs and Tonia Antoniazzi are both proposing measures to prevent women being prosecuted for terminating a pregnancy, with the Speaker expected to choose at least one for a vote this week.

The measures, which would amend the Government's Crime and Policing Bill, would "decriminalise" abortion. Existing rules which allow abortions up to 23 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy would remain, but the proposed changes mean it would no longer be possible to bring criminal proceedings against any woman ending her own pregnancy at any time.

Ms Creasy's proposal would also mean that charges could not be brought against third parties such as healthcare professionals who assist in providing abortions.

Many of those backing the changes are Labour MPs but Tory Andrew Mitchell, a former International Development Secretary, is among supporters of Ms Creasy's amendment.

Opponents include Conservative MP Rebecca Paul. She said: "Decriminalising abortion up to birth does not protect women. It does the opposite."

And fellow Conservative Sarah Bool said: "Radical changes to abortion law equally requires much more extensive consideration than this.

"Why are these amendments so dangerous? These proposals would allow abortion beyond the 24 weeks and all the way up to full term."

Former Conservative MP Miriam Cates said: "In the UK abortion is legal until 24 weeks - double the EU average. But for pro-abortion MPs, this just isn't enough. They want abortion until birth."

However Ms Creasy insisted that her proposed change would retain the time limit in law. She said: "Anyone suggesting otherwise either hasn't read it or is wilfully misreading it."

Explaining why she believes the law must be changed, she said earlier this month: "Many of us have been concerned for some years about the increase in investigations and prosecutions of women for abortion. We have not been able to get to the bottom of why there has been such a surge or why the police felt the need to produce that guidance."

Ms Antoniazzi said: "Since 2020, around 100 women have been criminally investigated, six have faced court and one has been sent to prison on suspicion of illegal abortion offences. Those investigations are dehumanising and prolonged, and the women forced to endure them are often extraordinarily vulnerable: victims of domestic abuse and violence, human trafficking and sexual exploitation, girls under the age of 18, and many women who have suffered miscarriage, stillbirth or who have given birth prematurely."

At the same time, Conservative MP Dr Caroline Johnson has tabled an amendment that would introduce new a new restriction by making it a legal requirement for a pregnant woman to speak with a doctor in person before being allowed to self-administer abortion medication. The clause specifically rules out telephone and online consultations.