What do the changes to abortion law mean?

Abortion rights campaigners on Tuesday

How has the law changed?

A change to the law on Tuesday removes the threat of prosecution for women terminating a pregnancy.

The amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill passed with 379 votes for, and some 137 against.

The law is not a threat for many, and most abortions clearly happen within the parameters set out in the last major piece of legislation on this—the 1967 Abortion Act.  

These rules allow for abortions before 24 weeks, with the consent of two doctors. But women are increasingly being accused—and prosecuted—for allegedly falling foul of these rules.

A tiny number of abortions happen after 20 weeks gestation, around 1 percent, according to the Royal College of Gynaecology.

The latest law will mean that these women shouldn’t stand at risk of prosecution. But doctors and abortion service providers still stand at risk. 

It’s a huge breakthrough for people who have watched with horror at the cases of Carla Foster, Nicola Packer, or others targeted by the state for exercising their right to choose.

What happened to the other motions?

There were three proposed motions attached to the Crime and Policing Bill.

Labour MP Stella Creasy’s pro-choice motion wanted to remove all abortion-related clauses from the 1861 act. But it wasn’t put to a vote.

Another amendment, proposed by Tory shadow health minister Caroline Johnson was defeated when put to the vote. Some 279 voted against it, and 117 voted for.

This amendment wanted to end telemedicine and force all women to go in person to a doctor’s appointment.

It’s hugely welcome that the bigots’ attempts to attack abortion care have been resisted—but they will be back for another go.

What is the Crime and Policing Bill?

The Crime and Policing Bill is a reactionary piece of legislation that has been weaselling its way through parliament for a number of years.

It’s an attack on working class people that will further criminalise the right to demonstrate, increase deportation powers and whip up a panic about “anti-social behaviour”.

What’s next?

Socialists want “full decriminalisation” of abortion provision. This means the complete removal of all relevant clauses from the 1861 Act.

Pregnancy terminations should be treated like any other element of healthcare and regulated by healthcare bodies.

Other medical procedures aren’t part of criminal law—they are monitored by a professional health regulatory body.

There is no medical reason why any additional checks and balances are needed for abortions, when they’re not needed for other treatments or procedures.

Abortion laws are steeped in sexist society that wants to have the ability to control women’s bodies and their choices.

The fight for a woman’s right to choose is far from over—in fact, the battle lines are sharper than ever before.