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Decriminalising Abortion
02 June 2025
Lead MP
Tony Vaughan
Folkestone and Hythe
Lab
Responding Minister
Alex Davies-Jones
Tags
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Word Count: 17834
Other Contributors: 20
At a Glance
Tony Vaughan raised concerns about decriminalising abortion in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks that abortion laws be reviewed to ensure they are in line with modern standards and societal norms, particularly noting concerns about misinformation regarding late-term abortions and the potential impact on young women's rights.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Gemma Clark is concerned about the criminalisation of abortion in England, Wales, and Scotland, which includes sentences of up to life imprisonment for offences such as procuring miscarriage and child destruction. She highlights a case involving Nicola Packer who faced charges under section 58 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 despite being less than 24 weeks pregnant.
Alex Brewer
LD
North East Hampshire
Served on the Women and Equalities Committee, highlighted how vulnerable women are disproportionately let down by the criminal justice system, noting 100 investigations since 2020 which is increasing.
Swansea East
Responded that they would discuss the matter at a later date after speaking to officials for details.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
He questions whether Britain already has very liberal abortion laws, citing a poll by Savanta ComRes showing support among women for reducing the abortion time limit and banning sex-selective abortions.
Alice Macdonald
Lab/Co-op
Norwich North
Noted that many constituents support new clauses for decriminalising abortion, aligning with practices in other countries like France and Ireland.
Ann Davies
PC
Caerfyrddin
Highlights statistics showing that one in three women will have an abortion at some point, emphasizing the need for reform of outdated laws that criminalise such actions.
Clapham
The debate should focus on updating antiquated laws from a bygone era to protect women’s bodily autonomy, not changing eligibility for legal abortions. The current law is the harshest in the world and criminalises women who access healthcare.
Carla Lockhart
SNP
Dumfries and Galloway
She notes that Northern Ireland does not allow home abortions and that its context should be differentiated from the mainland's discussion on decriminalisation. Asked about the 43% increase in late-term abortions in New Zealand after decriminalisation. Agrees with Jim Shannon's point about protection for unborn lives under human rights laws. Intervenes to suggest that reinstating gestational age checks for abortion pills could be a solution, but is disagreed with by Alex Brewer. The hon. Member for Dumfries and Galloway sees this debate as an attack on those who advocate for the protection of life, valuing both lives in every pregnancy. Discussed the perspective that life is the most basic human right, citing statistics on abortions since 1967. She also mentioned concerns over medical complications from at-home abortion pills.
Edinburgh West
Emphasised the need for women's reproductive health choices without state interference, highlighting the rise in prosecutions and advocating for complete decriminalisation of abortion.
Liz Mullan
Lab
Bexhill and Battle
The shadow Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to abortion law that respects individual rights and societal values.
Emily Darlington
Lab
Milton Keynes Central
Highlighted that more than 200 women have been investigated for abortion and criticised police tactics as traumatising. Supported decriminalisation to avoid such injustices. Argues against criminalising abortion, citing examples from the US where women face medical barriers due to legal restrictions. Acknowledges concerns about police tactics mirroring those in the US and raises worries about the escalation of such practices. The hon. Member for Rochdale supports safe access zones to protect the human rights of women who are seeking an abortion during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He argues that the abortion legislation in Northern Ireland was imposed by Westminster without local input and against public opinion at the time of its introduction. Respects differing opinions but holds that every abortion is a tragedy for both the woman and the unborn child. Opposes further liberalisation of abortion laws on the grounds of international human rights, emphasizing that Northern Ireland's decision should have been respected. Silent prayer at abortion clinics is not disruptive; it is a personal act between individuals and their God.
Kim Leadbeater
Lab
Spen Valley
Stressed the importance of compassion, choice, and bodily autonomy in the discussion on abortion criminalisation.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Acknowledges differences in views on abortion between Northern Ireland and Walthamstow, noting that there has been no call for reversal of the decriminalisation law in Northern Ireland.
Creasy
Lab
Walthamstow
She challenges the idea that only opinions can be held on decriminalisation, referring to evidence from Northern Ireland since 2019. She emphasises that decriminalising abortion does not affect current regulations that allow for abortions after 24 weeks in certain circumstances. Asked whether the Minister's officials have met with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to understand how the human rights framework operates in practice.
Stella Creasy
Lab/Co-op
Walthamstow
She points out that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has called for telemedicine to be made available, and the Government may face legal challenges if they do not comply. Supports decriminalisation but emphasizes that true decriminalisation means full repeal of abortion legislation, not just disapplication. Discusses the importance of human rights and the need to protect women from investigations and prosecutions. She recognises the points made by Dr Mullan but clarifies that in Northern Ireland, where abortion is regulated as healthcare without criminal underpinning, there would still be regulation and guidance about health services if decriminalisation were to occur.
Sadik Al-Hassan
Lab
North Somerset
Supports new clause 1 and emphasizes the importance of decriminalising abortion to protect women's rights and access to safe healthcare.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
He questions whether decriminalising abortion could endanger women’s health if it allows for at-home abortions up to birth.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
He questions whether individual autonomy trumps all else, suggesting a philosophical aspect to the debate on decriminalising abortion.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Wellingborough
Paid tribute to the lead MP, thanked petitioners and supporters. Discussed how women can be criminally investigated for ending their own pregnancies, leading to dehumanising investigations and prolonged court dates, impacting victims of abuse or those in desperate circumstances. Asked Laura Pidcock about why more MPs have signed up to new clause 1 instead of her new clause, and highlighted the need for a meeting between both parties.
Tony Vaughan
Con
Cardiff North
Thanked Gemma Clark, the petitioner, and highlighted the rise of abortion investigations and prosecutions despite their small number. Mentioned a case involving Sammy to illustrate victims being treated as suspects. Discussed the centrality of choice and individual autonomy versus the value of the unborn child's life.
Government Response
Alex Davies-Jones
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice
Government Response
The Government maintain a neutral stance on changing the criminal law on abortion in England and Wales. The Minister confirmed that all women have access to safe, regulated abortions under current laws, including provisions set by Parliament such as the Abortion Act 1967.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.