No woman in England or Wales can be prosecuted for an abortion any more
Abortion has been decriminalised for women in England and Wales, meaning they can no longer be prosecuted for ending their own pregnancies. The change removes outdated laws from 1861 and 1929 but maintains existing time limits and medical regulations. Women previously convicted for abortion-related offences will receive pardons, though the process will take place over the next year.
- ▪The Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and the Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1929 have been formally repealed in England and Wales.
- ▪The decriminalisation does not change the legal time limit for abortions, which remains at 23 weeks and 6 days.
- ▪Medical professionals can still face legal consequences for carrying out abortions outside the legal framework.
- ▪Women and girls previously convicted of abortion-related offences will be granted pardons, expected within the next year.
- ▪Organisations including BPAS, MSI Reproductive Choices, and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists supported the reform.
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17 super cute spring outfit ideas 7 elegant glossy pink nail ideas to try right nowThe best new TV dramas to watch this spring Low maintenance hair trends for every hair type16 hair growth serums that deliver resultNews & PoliticsFEMINISMIt's official: No woman in England or Wales can be prosecuted for an abortion any moreIt's official: No woman in England or Wales can be prosecuted for an abortion any moreDecriminalisation explained (and no, this does *not* mean 'abortion is now legal up until birth') By Jennifer SavinPublished: 29 April 2026SOPA Images//Getty ImagesAfter years of campaigning, England and Wales have officially decriminalised abortion for women in a “landmark moment” as part of proposed changes to the Crime and Policing Bill.The government has now formally done away with…
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