In a historic step for reproductive rights, MPs have backed a major amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, effectively decriminalising abortion in England and Wales for women who end their own pregnancies outside the established legal framework. Backed by a resounding majority of 379 to 137, the amendment—championed by Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi—means that, for the first time in over 160 years, women will no longer face life sentences under the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act.

While the existing regulatory system remains in place—including the 24‑week limit, requirement for two signatory doctors, and licensed clinics—this change ensures women cannot be prosecuted for the act of ending their own pregnancies outside that framework. Healthcare providers still face sanctions if they operate outside legal boundaries.

Concerns about archaic laws impacting vulnerable women have steadily grown. Over 100 investigations related to pregnancies and miscarriages have been reported, including high-profile cases like Nicola Packer’s and Carla Foster’s, who faced deeply distressing criminal scrutiny. BPAS has highlighted “years-long police investigations, hospital ward arrests, home searches, and children taken away” as driving the need for change.

A coalition of top medical organisations—including the RCOG, Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, RCN, RCGP, BMA, BPAS, and MSI UK—welcomed the amendment as a vital step toward aligning the law with modern healthcare standards. The RCOG noted that abortion is among the most common gynaecological procedures (over 220,000 annually), and that punitive laws have harmful, chilling effects on women and professionals alike.

Heidi Stewart, CEO of BPAS, described the vote as “a landmark moment for women’s rights”, declaring the law “outdated, cruel, and in urgent need of reform”. UNISON also backed the change, urging compassion over criminalisation.

The amendment now heads to the House of Lords, where it cannot be blocked but might be delayed before finally receiving Royal Assent later this year.