For more than 160 years, the words written into a law from 1861 loomed like a shadow over women in England and Wales. That ended this week.
With a resounding vote—379 in favor, 137 against—Parliament made history by scrapping a statute that left women open to criminal prosecution for having an abortion. While legal under strict guidelines since 1967, women who stepped outside those rules—even by accident or desperation—risked arrest, interrogation, and a court date for a decision about their own bodies.
“It was always there, like a silent threat,” said 27-year-old Emily James from Birmingham, who terminated a pregnancy last year after a traumatic miscarriage. “Even with doctor approval, I googled whether I could be jailed. I was scared.”
Now, that fear can finally take a back seat. Under the change, women can no longer be prosecuted for ending their own pregnancies—even if done outside the law’s typical framework. The amendment does not change access rules: abortions are still allowed up to 24 weeks with approval from two doctors. But what it does change is where the finger of blame points. From now on, it won’t be at women.
“This is about basic dignity,” said Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, who introduced the amendment. “We trust women with families, with careers, with hard choices—this law finally reflects that.”
Some campaigners wept outside Parliament as the result was announced. Others simply closed their eyes and breathed deeply, knowing they’d helped drag an old, heavy law into the light of a new day.
Still, not everyone is celebrating. A group of MPs voiced concern that removing criminal penalties might weaken safeguards. But doctors and advocates pushed back. “We’re not removing responsibility,” said Dr. Nia Patel, an OB-GYN in Manchester. “We’re removing punishment. There’s a difference.”
The amendment now goes to the House of Lords. And though it may face debate, the direction is clear—and so is the message to women across the U.K.: You are trusted. You are heard. And your story will never end with handcuffs.
