The 100-Year Life Health Education and Government
More than 30 medical organisations are calling for urgent reform of UK abortion law following an “unprecedented” rise in investigations and prosecutions of women suspected of illegally ending their pregnancies.
The groups, led by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), say Parliament should remove the threat of prosecution of women in relation to their own pregnancy.
Six women have appeared in British courts in the past two years charged with ending their own pregnancy, compared with three reported convictions since the law was introduced in 1861.
Although abortion was legalised in England and Wales in 1967, the procedure remains criminal after 24 weeks, carrying a potential life sentence.
“The law needs urgent reform to decriminalise abortion, which should always be a healthcare matter and not a criminal matter,” said Dr Ranee Thakar, president of RCOG.
The groups’ suggested vehicle for reform would be an amendment to the forthcoming crime and policing bill.
