More than 50 MPs from multiple parties have backed an amendment, part of the cross-party push to decriminalize abortion. Labour’s Tonia Antoniazzi proposed the change, aiming to remove women from criminal laws on abortion. The amendment would ensure no woman faces prosecution for actions related to her own pregnancy.
Support comes from Labour MPs Nadia Whittome, Jess Asato, and Antonia Bance. Liberal Democrats Christine Jardine, Wera Hobhouse, and Daisy Cooper also endorsed it. Greens, Plaid Cymru, Alliance Party, and even Conservative Caroline Dineage joined the cross-party push.
Currently, abortion-related cases often use the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act. The amendment would stop prosecutions under this Victorian law. It also prevents charges under the 1929 Infant Life Act, which criminalizes “child destruction.”
Antoniazzi stressed the urgent need for reform. She noted over 100 women faced police investigations in five years. “This is healthcare, not a criminal matter,” she said. “Wasting court time and taxpayer money helps no one.”
The amendment follows a similar effort by Labour’s Diana Johnson. Her previous attempt failed when the last government’s bill collapsed before an election. Now, this cross-party push could become law by summer if passed.
Antoniazzi emphasized the amendment doesn’t alter abortion access rules. Time limits and the two-doctor approval requirement remain unchanged. Instead, it stops women from being punished for pregnancy loss or difficult decisions.
Medical groups strongly support the change. The British Medical Association and multiple Royal Colleges back decriminalization. They argue prosecuting vulnerable women contradicts public health interests.
A recent case highlighted the law’s harsh impact. Nicola Packer endured five years of legal battles before a jury cleared her last week. Antoniazzi attended court, calling the prosecution “disgraceful.”
The amendment focuses on protecting women in crisis. “They need support, not criminalization,” Antoniazzi said. “No one should face prison for a miscarriage or impossible circumstances.”
This cross-party push reflects growing consensus that abortion laws need modernization. With broad political and medical support, the amendment has a strong chance of progress. For more updates, visit London Pulse News.
The cross-party push to decriminalize abortion marks a pivotal moment. As debates continue, advocates hope for a more compassionate legal approach. The coming weeks will determine if this change succeeds.
For more updates, visit London Pulse News.
