In a landmark move, the UK Parliament has voted to decriminalize self-managed late-term abortions in England and Wales, marking the biggest reform of British abortion law since 1967. The House of Commons passed the bill with a vote being 379 to 137.
Supporters celebrate this passing of the bill as a shift that emphasizes compassion and care of women in difficult situations. However, the new law will not change clinical abortion regulations or fully decriminalize the procedure. The next step for the bill is to be voted on at the House of Lords, where approval is expected. If approved, the law will apply only to England and Wales.
Compiled From: Lauren Frayer, "U.K. Parliament bans women from being prosecuted for late-term abortion," NPR, June 18, 2025.